A court in Ryazan, Russia last month detained Natalya Khaributova, a former chief of city planning after denying her bail for corruption charges.
It is alleged that Khaributova received bribes worth 500,000* roubles (approx B250,000) from a local business person.
Russia’s Investigative committee officers believe that in January 2016 Khaributova promised protection to a local construction company in exchange for two return business-class tickets from Moscow to Phuket for her and her daughter.
The two were were also provided with a luxury vehicle to travel some 200 kilometres from their home town to the nearest airport and the return journey.
According to reports in Russian media, Khaributova got to enjoy her vacation in Phuket, she also remained in her position until April 2016, when it was officially announced that charges were to be brought against her.
Phuket vacations can turn out to be costly to Khaributova, as she now faces up to 15 years in jail and a hefty fine up to 4 million roubles (B2mn).
* Not 500 rubles, as initially mistakenly reported.