Russian Deputy Defense Minister arrested on corruption charges

The Deputy Minister of Defense of RussiaTimur Ivanov, was arrested on a charge of corruption. The authority appeared before a court of Moscow this Wednesday, 24, dressed in full military attire, inside a glass cage, and was accused of receiving a Bribery while performing contract work for the defense Ministry. If convicted, he could face 15 years in prison.

According to Russian state media TASSIvanov is suspected of accepting bribes from 1 million rubles (R$55 thousand). Although the amount does not seem high, this is the most high-profile corruption scandal in Russia since the country’s president, Vladimir Putinlaunched an invasion against the Ukrainemore than two years ago.

Pressure on the government

Serving as deputy minister since 2016, Ivanov is seen as one of the main architects of the war in Ukraine and a close ally of Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. His unexpected arrest could once again put pressure on the head of the ministry, who has already been heavily criticized for his management of the conflict – particularly by the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in the months leading up to his death last year. Despite the setbacks, Putin kept Shoigu in office.

Among Ivanov’s responsibilities was the reconstruction of Mairupola city in southern Ukraine that was reduced to ruins by Russian forces after months of siege at the start of the war.

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From luxury to trash

Ivanov maintains a luxurious lifestyle, with assets that include a historic house in one of Moscow’s most expensive neighborhoods, which soon aroused suspicions from the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF) – owned by the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Maria Pevchikh, the body’s president, said he had “one of the most lucrative jobs you can have” at the Russian Defense Ministry and said the invasion of Ukraine had made him much richer.

Ivanov was sanctioned by the European Union and the United States after Russia invaded Ukraine. But his ex-wife, Svetlana Maniovich, continued to live a life of opulence in Europe: sailing yachts in the Mediterranean, skiing in the Alps and living in Paris.

In an investigation last year, based on more than 8,000 leaked emails, the ACF alleged that Maniovich spent more than US$100,000 at a major Paris jewelry store on the famous Place Vendrome. , in March 2022 – just as the siege of Mariupol intensified.