Armenia's former foreign minister has been detained on suspicion of money laundering, security officials said Tuesday, in a probe that prompted criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Police detained Alexander Azrumanian on Monday, just two days after investigators allegedly found $55,400 in foreign cash in his apartment, the National Security Service said.

Azrumanian and former Deputy Defense Minister Vaan Shirkhanian traveled to Moscow last month and allegedly agreed with a Russian citizen who is wanted in Armenia for financial fraud to transfer thousands of dollars to Armenia, the security service said.

Azrumanian's lawyer, Hovannes Arsenian, confirmed the detention, but refused further comment. Shirkhanian has not been detained.

The two had worked to set up an organization to fund opposition political activities in Armenia, and Azrumanian's detention prompted complaints from opposition lawmakers that the probe was politically motivated.

Azrumanian served as foreign minister from 1996 to 1998, while Shirkhanian was deputy defense minister from 1994 through 1999.