The district court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant for Fomin, co-owner of a construction company, on charges of bribing Deputy Defense Minister Ivanov.
At the request of the investigation agency, the Basmanny district court in Moscow on April 25 issued an arrest warrant for businessman Alexander Fomin, who was accused of bribing Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov. Mr. Fomin is co-owner of the construction company Olimpsitistroy.
Russian authorities previously arrested Deputy Minister Ivanov and his associate Sergey Borodin on charges of colluding with a third party to receive bribes.
Businessman Alexander Fomin in court on April 25. Image: Basmanny District Court
According to the Basmanny district court, Mr. Fomin and other suspects “operated in an organized manner, transferring particularly large bribes in the form of providing property-related services to Mr. Ivanov”.
Russian media reported that Deputy Minister Ivanov was arrested at work. Previously, Mr. Ivanov participated in a meeting with Russian Defense Minister, General Sergey Shoigu and senior defense officials. Photos released by the Basmanny district court show Mr. Ivanov wearing military uniform when entering the courtroom.
Mr. Ivanov, born in 1975, used to work in the fuel and energy sector. In 2012, he held the position of deputy leader of the Moscow province government. In 2013-2016, he was the leader of Oboronstroy company, specializing in building housing for the military, key social infrastructure and strategic military facilities.
Mr. Timur Ivanov in court on May 23. Image: Basmanny District Court
In May 2016, he was appointed Deputy Defense Minister of Russia in charge of asset management, accommodation for military personnel, housing and medical support, and in charge of defense procurement activities.
The last time Russian authorities arrested a current deputy minister was in June 2023. The person arrested at that time was Maxim Parshin, who used to hold the position of Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Information and Communications, on charges of accepting bribes. Mr. Parshin was dismissed not long after.
Russia in April 2023 arrested Olga Yarilova, who held the position of Deputy Minister of Culture in 2018-2022. Ms. Yarilova is suspected of embezzlement when implementing a project to help Russian children attend free cultural events.
Nguyen Tien (According to TASS, Reuters)
Tags: Russia arrested businessman suspected bribing Deputy Defense Minister
