Kurt Groszhans, Facebook

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota farmer has been accused of attempting to arrange the assassination of a Ukrainian official and has been detained in the country.

North Dakota’s congressional delegation has asked the U.S. Department of State to ensure the well-being of 50-year-old Kurt Groszhans, who grew up in the central part of North Dakota and attended North Dakota State University. He and a Ukrainian woman have been accused of trying to assassinate Roman Leschenko, the current Agrarian Policy and Food Minister.

Groszhans had business dealings with the agriculture minister. His family told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead that he is an honest agriculture investor who was “tangled up” in a dispute with Leschenko.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven said his office contacted the Department of State after hearing from Groszhans’ family and friends.