Russian deputy finance minister arrested

MOSCOW, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Russia's deputy finance minister has been arrested in Moscow for allegedly planning to embezzle government money.

Sergei Storchak was arrested Thursday shortly before he was to accompany Russia's finance minister on a trip to South Africa, RIA Novosti reported Saturday. Two Russian banking officials also were detained on charges of aiding Storchak.

"The Finance Ministry is hoping that the investigation will be as impartial as possible," said a statement from the ministry.

Storchak became deputy finance minister two years ago after working as head of the ministry's international finance and foreign debt department.