Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov – Photo: TASS
On April 25, Reuters news agency quoted information from a Moscow court saying that a third person was arrested in a bribery investigation focusing on Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov.
This is the worst scandal to happen to the Russian Ministry of Defense since the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in February 2022.
The court in Moscow said that Mr. Alexander Fomin – co-founder of Olimpsitistroy Construction Company – was suspected of bribing Deputy Minister Ivanov (arrested on April 23) and Mr. Sergei Borodin (his close associate). Ivanov, also in custody).
The three people will be detained until at least June 23.
The court said Mr Fomin – who “had a relationship of trust with Mr Ivanov” – was suspected of providing free services to Mr Ivanov, Borodin and others.
“In addition, Mr. Fomin and others – acting as an organized group – contributed to helping Mr. Ivanov receive a particularly large bribe in the form of the illegal provision of property-related services” – the court provides information.
Mr. Alexander Fomin, co-founder of Olimpsitistroy Construction Company, attended the trial in Moscow, Russia. The photo was published on April 25 – Photo: REUTERS
Business newspaper Kommersant said investigators suspected Deputy Minister Ivanov of receiving bribes from Mr. Fomin, and in return helped Mr. Fomin’s company win contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Mr. Ivanov still maintains his innocence. According to TASS News Agency, Mr. Ivanov is suspected of receiving a bribe of 1 million rubles (at least 10,800 USD).
Mr. Ivanov is a close ally of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, so Mr. Shoigu is at risk of suffering damage from the scandal.
On April 23, the Russian Federal Investigative Committee announced the arrest of Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on suspicion of accepting bribes. Russian media said Mr. Ivanov – currently 48 years old, has held the position of Russian deputy defense minister for 8 years – could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
TASS news agency said investigators confiscated all bank accounts and assets of Mr. Ivanov and his family.
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