The Prosecutor's Office said both man are accused of taking large bribes over many years, although no figures or exact aim of the bribes have been disclosed.

Kaljurand and Kiil's offices, homes and a number of other premises were searched today.

Three people have been detained for giving bribes in the case, and three more for aiding.

Minister knew

“The Internal Security Police did inform myself and the ministry early on. I learned about the process shortly after taking office [in April 2015],” economy minister Kristen Michal said.

According to Michal, the ministry agreed to guarantee the operation of the company once the ISS moved in. “It is in our best interests that the Port of Tallinn is able to fill and service procurements it has won,” he said, adding that this includes the internal ferry route tender, which the company recently won. It will begin to service domestic ferry routes in a year's time and is currently in the process of acquiring four new ferries.

Michal said the financial director of the company will take over temporarily.

Port of Tallinn operates five ports and services nearly 10 million passengers each year. It is one of the state's biggest cash cows, paying the state around 40 million euros in dividends and taxes each year.