Putin's top doctor arrested by FSB after being ‘caught trying to flee Russia’

The 59-year-old allegedly has full knowledge of Russia’s most recent research and development in the field of vaccines, serums and “bacterial preparations”.

According to Telegram channel Cheka-OGPU, he was arrested after attempting to escape Russia via Belarus.

Before his disappearance, Trukhin was chief of the St Petersburg Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums for 11 years.

The Institute works with the Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) - a Russian state body - to ensure the country's radiation, chemical, and biological safety, and spearheading health protection.

According to reports, Russian law enforcement agencies have been handed a dossier alleging his involvement in fraud following a check regarding corruption claims.

The channel said: “He tried to leave the Russian Federation for Belarus and was detained by officers of the Russian FSB, who apparently knew that the director…planned to travel abroad."

A report suggested he was also found to have a Nicaraguan passport.

His case reportedly involves an alleged £4.75million payment to a South American biotechnology institute.

However, Fontanka news outlet claim he is held in a pre-trial detention centre on a lesser charge of embezzling around £5,000.

Before leaving, he allegedly wrote a goodbye letter to the staff of his “unique” institute, announcing his departure and saying: “This decision was not mine, unfortunately.”