A widening bribery scandal involving Deputy Russian Defense Minister Timur Ivanov has led to the detainment of a third man, Alexander Fomin, who is suspected of paying bribes to Ivanov and another associate, Sergei Borodin. Fomin, the co-founder of a construction company called Olimpsitistroy, provided free services to Ivanov and Borodin, contributing to the receipt of a large bribe by Ivanov. Investigators believe Ivanov received kickbacks from Fomin in exchange for helping his company win lucrative contracts. The scandal has attracted significant attention from the political and media establishment in Russia, especially as President Vladimir Putin is expected to announce a government reshuffle next month.
Timur Ivanov, who maintains his innocence, was arrested by the Federal Security Service and faces up to 15 years in jail if convicted. News reports indicate that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of Ivanov, has fired him following the arrest. Investigators have seized all of Ivanov’s family bank accounts and property. Some analysts view the scandal as an attempt to weaken Shoigu and as a sign of tensions and rivalries within the elite as Putin prepares to name a new government. Despite the scandal, Shoigu is expected to retain his position as defense minister, as Russian forces under his command have made significant gains in Ukraine in recent months.
Ivanov, who has been deputy defense minister since 2016, was responsible for property management, housing, construction, and mortgages at the defense ministry. During his tenure, the ministry’s spending has increased significantly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ivanov had been the subject of previous journalistic investigations and allegations of corruption. Russia’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, led by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, accused Ivanov and his family of living a lavish lifestyle including yachts, helicopters, and expensive purchases like diamonds and a mansion in Moscow. Forbes magazine listed Ivanov as one of the wealthiest individuals within Russia’s security structures.
Further investigations have alleged corruption in Russia’s reconstruction efforts in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is now under the control of Russian forces. The scandal surrounding Ivanov has raised concerns about corruption within the defense ministry and has become a major political issue in Russia ahead of the anticipated government reshuffle. With Ivanov’s involvement in bribery and kickback schemes, the scandal has the potential to cause significant disruption in Russia’s defense sector. As the investigation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the case will impact the government and the wider political landscape in Russia.
