Russian Deputy Defense Minister Detained on Bribery Charges

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov has been detained and placed in pre-trial detention until June 23, 2024, on charges of taking bribes on a particularly large scale. According to the Moscow courts' official Telegram channel and TASS news agency, Ivanov is accused of receiving at least 1 million rubles ($10,800) as part of an organized group while performing contracted work for the Defense Ministry.

Ivanov, who has served as deputy defense minister since 2016, was responsible for property management, housing, construction, and mortgages at the ministry. He was arrested on Tuesday evening by the Federal Security Service (FSB) and appeared in court on Wednesday dressed in full military garb. If convicted, Ivanov faces up to 15 years in prison.

The court also arrested Ivanov's acquaintance, Sergei Borodin, on the same charges. Both men are to remain in custody at the notorious Lefortovo jail in Moscow until at least June 23, 2024. Ivanov's lawyer has appealed the case and requested house arrest instead, denying any charges beyond the bribery allegations.

Why this matters: The arrest of Ivanov, a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, is the highest-profile corruption case in Russia in recent years and comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing war in Ukraine. It has triggered speculation about a power struggle within the Russian elite and a possible crackdown on corruption in the country's armed forces.

Ivanov has long been linked to the lavish lifestyle and ostentatious wealth that has characterized some sections of the post-Soviet Russian elite. Investigations by Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation have alleged that Ivanov and his family acquired vast riches through kickbacks on defense contracts. "Ivanov's responsibilities have included the reconstruction of Mariupol, a city in southern Ukraine that was reduced to ruin by Russian forces," the foundation reported.

The Kremlin has confirmed that President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Shoigu were informed about Ivanov's detention. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports that the charges were intended to obscure additional allegations of treason against Ivanov.

The sudden arrest of Shoigu's ally has sparked speculation about the defense minister's own position. Shoigu has faced criticism for his handling of the invasion of Ukraine, and Ivanov's arrest is seen by some observers as a blow to his inner circle. According to a law enforcement source, the investigation into Ivanov's alleged corruption has been ongoing for some time, with the FSB playing a key role in the case.

Key Takeaways

• Russian deputy defense minister Timur Ivanov detained on bribery charges.
• Ivanov accused of receiving 1 million rubles ($10,800) in bribes.
• Arrest seen as blow to defense minister Shoigu's inner circle.
• Ivanov's responsibilities included Mariupol's reconstruction after Russian invasion.
• Arrest sparks speculation about power struggle within Russian elite.