Deputy Defense Minister of Russia Dismissed Following Expanded Corruption Investigation
Two more individuals have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged bribery scheme.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has removed his deputy, Timur Ivanov, amidst a growing bribery investigation that has impacted the country’s military establishment.
According to Russia’s TASS news agency, a ministry source stated on April 24, “By order of the defense minister, Timur Ivanov was removed from the post of deputy defense minister.”
The day before, Mr. Ivanov, who maintains his innocence, was detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) at his workplace in the defense ministry.
Reports suggest that authorities have also confiscated bank accounts and property associated with Mr. Ivanov and his family.
These actions come after allegations that Mr. Ivanov, a close associate of Gen. Shoigu, accepted kickbacks from a construction company in exchange for assisting them in securing contracts with the ministry.
As per an investigative committee, Mr. Ivanov is facing charges of receiving bribes exceeding one million rubles (approximately $10,800), a crime that carries a maximum jail term of 15 years.
On April 24, a Moscow court ordered Mr. Ivanov to be held in custody for two months for preliminary investigations to be carried out.
The court stated, “Investigators allege that the defendant engaged in a criminal conspiracy with third parties in order to commit a crime.”
It was also mentioned that Mr. Ivanov is accused of receiving bribes as part of an organized group while overseeing contracted work for the defense ministry.
Mr. Ivanov’s attorney, Denis Baluyev, has refuted claims of any bribes being transferred to his client, stating, “The money… is simply absent.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov downplayed speculations of Mr. Ivanov being charged with high treason related to the alleged offense.
Alleged Co-Conspirators Detained
The reasons behind the charges against Mr. Ivanov and his alleged co-conspirators remain unclear at this point.
President Vladimir Putin previously instructed the FSB to crack down systematically on state corruption, particularly in military procurement.
According to judicial officials, two other individuals, Sergey Borodin and Alexander Fomin, have also been arrested in connection with the case.
