Russian Deputy Defence Minister detained on major bribery charges

KATHMANDU: Russian authorities have detained Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov on suspicion of accepting significant bribes, marking the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin's deployment of troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Ivanov's detention, announced by Russia's investigative committee, is based on allegations of accepting bribes "on a particularly large scale," which could result in a 15-year jail term if convicted.

The sudden arrest of Ivanov, a close ally of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, has sparked speculation about potential power struggles within the elite circles and hints at a public crackdown on the rampant corruption that has long plagued Russia's armed forces. The Kremlin confirmed that both Putin and Shoigu were informed about Ivanov's arrest, which occurred shortly after he attended a meeting of top defense officials chaired by Shoigu.

As Deputy Defence Minister since 2016, Ivanov was responsible for overseeing property management, housing, construction, and mortgages within the defense ministry. While the ministry has refrained from commenting on Ivanov's detention, Russian media reports suggest that the Federal Security Service (FSB) detained him, with his properties subject to search.

The investigation into Ivanov's alleged corruption is reportedly not a recent development, with law enforcement sources indicating that it has been ongoing for some time. The involvement of FSB military counter-intelligence underscores the seriousness of the accusations against Ivanov, raising questions about why such a high-ranking official with close ties to Shoigu would be targeted.

Ivanov's detention sheds light on the broader issue of corruption within Russia's elite circles, particularly amid the backdrop of the country's military involvement in Ukraine. Furthermore, Ivanov's luxurious lifestyle, previously highlighted by Russia's Anti-Corruption Foundation, has drawn scrutiny, adding to the intrigue surrounding his arrest. His background in Russia's state atomic energy sector and government positions under Shoigu's governance further underscore the complexities of his case.