By Trend News Line 2024-04-24 13:26:46.
Top Russian Military Official Arrested on Bribery Charges
A top Russian military official, Timur Ivanov, 48, has been arrested on suspicion of accepting a bribe and was sent to pre-trial detention after appearing before a court in central Moscow. Ivanov, one of Russia’s 12 deputy defense ministers, was arrested Tuesday evening, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee. The committee stated that Ivanov is suspected of taking an especially large bribe, a criminal offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Details of the Bribery Allegations
During Ivanov’s court appearance, investigators revealed that he had conspired with third parties to receive a bribe in the form of unspecified property services “during contracting and subcontracting work for the needs of the Ministry of Defense.” An acquaintance of Ivanov’s, identified as Sergei Borodin, was also arrested and ordered into pre-trial detention on the same charges. Both men are to remain in custody until at least June 23.
Ivanov’s Role in the Defense Ministry
According to the defense ministry’s website, Ivanov was appointed to his post in 2016 by a presidential decree. In his role as deputy defense minister, he oversaw property management, housing and medical support for the military, as well as construction and reconstruction of facilities.
Reactions to Ivanov’s Arrest
Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying that both President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu were informed about Ivanov’s arrest. Peskov dismissed reports in the Russian media that the corruption allegations against Ivanov were intended to obscure additional allegations of high treason. Ivanov’s lawyer also denied any additional charges, stating that the official was only facing bribery allegations.
Allegations of Lavish Lifestyle
In 2022, the late Alexei Navalny’s team alleged that Ivanov and his family were living an extravagant life with luxurious trips abroad, lavish parties, and elite real estate. They also claimed that Ivanov’s wife Svetlana divorced him in the summer of 2022 to avoid sanctions and continued to enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Ivanov was reportedly in charge of construction projects in Mariupol, a port city in Ukraine’s partially occupied Donetsk region, heavily bombarded and occupied by Russian forces in 2022.
Navalny’s Ally Comments on Ivanov’s Arrest
Following Ivanov’s detention, Maria Pevchikh, an ally of Alexei Navalny, commented on social media, stating, “It’s a good day today.” The arrest of such a high-ranking military official on bribery charges has raised questions about corruption within the Russian military and government.
As the investigation into Ivanov’s alleged bribery continues, the Russian public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
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