Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

A Russian MP has been arrested for plotting to kill her husband in order to keep hold of their shared assets.

Russian politician Natalya Guryanova, 44, from the city of Samara in the western Russian region of Samara Oblast reportedly owned a successful transport company with her husband Valeriy, 49.

The couple, who have two children together, have been living separately for the last two years and planned to divorce this year, according to local media.

Reports said they own 10 buses, an SUV, a motorboat and a large house and the MP allegedly plotted to keep hold of the possesions.

Along with her 40-year-old friend Ekaterina Abyzova, the pair reportedly met a man named Dmitriy at the Khanami cafe in her home town on the 20th January.

Dmitriy asked for details regarding Valeriy’s daily schedule in order to organise the alleged hit.

Reports said that he initially planned to make the murder appear as if the husband was killed in a brawl and he was offered 400,000 RUB (4,820 GBP) as payment.

The hitman was paid half up front at the first meeting before receiving the other half at a second meeting at Priboy cafe on 27th January, according to local media.

However, for some reason Dmitriy got cold feet and reportedly went to cops about the alleged plot.

Guryanova and her friend Abyzova were both arrested shortly after the second meeting, according to local media.

Meanwhile, reports said that both women deny their involvement in the alleged plot.

Both suspects are being held in police custody as the investigation continues.

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