Overview
A Russian court has ordered the detention of Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov on suspicion of accepting bribes. This high-profile corruption case has raised questions about corruption within Russia’s armed forces.
Details of the Case
Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) for allegedly entering into a criminal conspiracy to commit organized crime by accepting large bribes. The court has ordered Ivanov to be kept in custody until June 23.
Allegations Against Ivanov
- Ivanov is accused of conspiring with third parties to receive property and services on a large scale during contract work for the ministry of defence.
- If convicted, Ivanov faces up to 15 years in jail.
Reactions and Speculations
The arrest of Ivanov, a close ally of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, has sparked speculation about internal power struggles and a crackdown on corruption within the Russian military.
Background of Ivanov
Ivanov, who has been deputy minister since 2016, was responsible for property management, housing, construction, and mortgages at the defence ministry. He has been the subject of previous journalistic investigations alleging a lavish lifestyle.
Investigations and Response
The investigation into Ivanov has been ongoing, with allegations of corruption in various projects, including the reconstruction of Mariupol in Ukraine. The Kremlin has dismissed reports of Ivanov being suspected of treason as speculation.
Putin’s Directive
President Putin recently ordered the FSB to tackle corruption in state defence procurement, signaling a renewed focus on combating corruption within the government.
