Moscow: The Azerbaijani participant of the "Voice" show in Russia, Emil Kadirov, has been arrested, as announced by the Russian Investigative Committee, APA reports. Kadirov is suspected of involvement in a fraud scheme amounting to 1.3 million rubles connected to the Pushkin Card federal program.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the investigation suggests that 31-year-old Kadirov collaborated with Elena Gurko, the deputy artistic director of the Eldar cinema-concert hall. The duo is alleged to have orchestrated fake concerts at the venue, with tickets sold via Pushkin Cards. Despite no concerts taking place, funds were reportedly transferred from the budget to the cinema-concert hall.

The scheme is said to have resulted in a financial impact of approximately 1.3 million rubles on the state budget. Authorities became suspicious after noticing unusually large amounts of money being allocated for the singer's supposed concerts from state resources.

A criminal case has been initiated by the Moscow city branch of the Russian Investigative Committee under the charge of large-scale fraud.