By Trend News Line 2024-04-24 08:45:50.
Deputy Defense Minister Arrested on Bribery Charges
In a surprising turn of events, Timur Ivanov, a top Russian military official and one of Russia’s 12 deputy defense ministers, was arrested on suspicion of accepting a bribe. The arrest took place on Tuesday evening, and Ivanov was brought before a court in central Moscow the following day. The court officials stated that Ivanov was sent to pre-trial detention after appearing before the court.
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Details of the Allegations
The Russia Investigative Committee has accused Ivanov of accepting an especially large bribe, a criminal offense that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Investigators revealed that Ivanov had allegedly conspired with third parties to receive the bribe in the form of unspecified property services related to contracting and subcontracting work for the Ministry of Defense. Additionally, Ivanov’s acquaintance, Sergei Borodin, was also arrested on the same charges and placed in pre-trial detention alongside Ivanov.
Background and Role in the Defense Ministry
Ivanov, 48, was appointed to his position as deputy defense minister in 2016 by a presidential decree. His responsibilities included overseeing property management, housing, medical support for the military, as well as construction and reconstruction of facilities. Before his arrest, Ivanov was seen attending a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and other high-ranking military officials.
Connection to Construction Projects in Ukraine
Reports from Russian media indicated that Ivanov played a key role in overseeing construction projects in Mariupol, a port city in Ukraine’s Donetsk region that was heavily impacted by the war with Russia. The Russian military’s official TV channel, Zvezda, highlighted Ivanov’s involvement in building a residential block in the damaged city. This project was part of the ministry’s efforts to rebuild and provide housing in the war-torn region.
Allegations of Extravagant Lifestyle
In addition to the bribery charges, Ivanov faced allegations of leading an extravagant lifestyle. Opposition activists, including the late Alexei Navalny’s team, claimed that Ivanov and his family indulged in luxurious trips abroad, lavish parties, and elite real estate. They also alleged that Ivanov’s wife, Svetlana, divorced him in 2022 to avoid sanctions while continuing to enjoy a lavish lifestyle.
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Reaction to the Arrest
Following Ivanov’s detention, Maria Pevchikh, an ally of Alexei Navalny, expressed satisfaction with the news on social media. The arrest of such a high-ranking military official on bribery charges has sent shockwaves through the Russian establishment and raised questions about corruption within the defense ministry.
By shedding light on the allegations against Ivanov and providing context to his role in the military and involvement in construction projects, the case has attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Ivanov’s arrest on the Russian military and political landscape remain to be seen..
Russian military official bribery charges
Russian military official court appearance.