Ex-Russian deputy defense minister arrested for multi-million fraud

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Pavel Popov, the former Deputy Minister of Defense, was detained under suspicion of large-scale fraud, according to the Russian Investigative Committee.

Popov, who was dismissed from his position on June 17, 2024, is accused of enriching himself through illicit activities related to the management of the “Patriot” park from 2021 to 2024.

The Russian Investigative Committee stated that Popov collaborated with Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the park director, and Vladimir Shesterov, the Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate for Innovative Development at the Ministry of Defense. Both Akhmedov and Shesterov had previously been charged with criminal offenses.

Authorities have found that Popov orchestrated construction and repair work as well as the delivery of various materials for his personal use at his country estate in the Krasnogorsk area of Moscow Region, all funded by “Patriot” park resources. Furthermore, he allegedly compelled leaders of commercial entities in contractual relationships with the park to perform construction and installation work at his private properties, without compensation.

The investigation also revealed that Popov and his family own numerous real estate properties in prestigious areas of Moscow, the Moscow region, and the Krasnodar region, valued at over half a billion rubles.

This scandal emerges amidst a turbulent period for the Russian military, which continues to face significant challenges on multiple fronts. The corruption case underscores ongoing issues within the Russian government and military establishment, following the dismissal of longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in May 2024. President Vladimir Putin appointed a new minister in an attempt to reform the department and restore efficiency amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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