A Belgorod Region law enforcement official confirmed Smirnov's arrest.
According to information posted on the official website of the regional prosecutor's office, 38-year-old Smirnov was appointed deputy prosecutor of the Belgorod Region in late September. Prior to this appointment, he served for three years as prosecutor of the city of Vsevolozhsk in the Leningrad Region.
Previously, a criminal terrorism case was opened against Khodorkovsky and members of the ACR.