Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is facing accusations of accepting a bribe valued at over $12.2 million in the form of services, leading to potential charges of large-scale bribe-taking and a potential 15-year prison sentence. Ivanov has denied the allegations, with his lawyer stating that the services in question were related to construction work and materials, valued at around 1.12 billion rubles. The case revolves around a criminal conspiracy involving funds received during contracting and subcontracting work for the Defense Ministry.
Ivanov, who was responsible for overseeing construction, housing, property management, mortgages, and procurement for the Russian military, is considered to be a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He has been credited with overseeing several large projects, including the construction of Patriot Park and the Armed Forces’ Main Cathedral, as well as the reconstruction of Mariupol after its siege and occupation. The allegations against Ivanov are believed to have originated from media reports from a year ago that alleged he and his family acquired wealth through kickbacks on military contracts.
Despite Ivanov’s denial of the charges, the Moscow City Court recently held an appeal hearing behind closed doors in which they rejected Ivanov’s request for house arrest. The court also upheld a decision to keep Ivanov in pre-trial detention until June 23. While cases related to national security like treason and espionage are typically held behind closed doors, bribery cases are usually conducted publicly. There were also reports citing anonymous sources that Ivanov may be suspected of state treason, which the Kremlin has dismissed as speculation.
The case against Ivanov is believed to be connected to a broader criminal conspiracy involving Defense Ministry contractors and alleged kickbacks on contracts. His attorney has emphasized that the accusations are related to construction work, which Ivanov was responsible for overseeing. The high-profile nature of the case, with Ivanov’s connections to the Defense Ministry and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has garnered significant media attention in Russia.
If found guilty, Ivanov could face serious consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence of up to 15 years. The allegations of accepting bribes worth over $12.2 million in the form of construction services have raised concerns about corruption within the Defense Ministry and its contracting practices. The case highlights the challenges of combatting corruption at the highest levels of government and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government dealings. Ivanov’s denial of the charges and his legal team’s defense will play a crucial role in the outcome of the case.
