MOSCOW, March 24 – The Russian authorities have begun extradition proceedings against former Ukrainian Parliament MP Oleksandr Shepelev, who is suspected of homicide and embezzlement.

"On March 21, Odyntsovo municipal court in Moscow region ordered the extradition of Oleksandr Shepelev," the court announced.

Last week, the Ukrainian Interpol Bureau received official confirmation from Russian police that Shepelev had been detained, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said in a statement released on Friday.