The head of a company that makes navigation systems for Russia’s space program has been arrested in Moscow and charged with major fraud, state media reported on Friday, Reuters reported.

Russian policePhoto: Russian Look Ltd. / Alamy / Alamy / Profimedia

The TASS news agency cites a law enforcement official who said on condition of anonymity that Yevgeny Fomichev was interrogated and charged with particularly large-scale fraud, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of one million rubles (10,972 dollars).

TASS reported that the Basmanny District Court of Moscow, which often deals with high-profile cases, at the request of the Investigative Committee of Russia, which deals with serious crimes, chose Fomichev as a preventive measure in the form of detention until February 21.

Fomichev heads NPP Geofizika-Kosmos, a company whose website states that it manufactures “optical electronic guidance and navigation devices for spacecraft.” According to the website, almost all Russian spaceships use the equipment of this company.

The site includes a nine-page anti-corruption policy, which states that management plays a key role in creating a culture of zero tolerance for corruption.

Russia’s space program suffered a huge setback in August when its Luna-25 spacecraft crashed on the surface of the moon during an attempt to land on the moon.