Russia intensifies crackdowns against corrupt generals: UK MoD explains why

The UK Defense Ministry said in a report.

On October 7, 2024, according to Russian media, the prosecutor's office filed additional charges against former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who was already charged in April.

The first of these cases concerns the embezzlement of RUB 200 million (about $2 million) during the purchase of two ships for ferry crossing the Kerch Strait, which were subsequently damaged during the fighting. The second case involves the embezzlement of RUB 3 billion (about $200 million) from Interkommerts Bank in the purchase of foreign currency.

According to UK intelligence, charges against former high-ranking military officials continue to pile up in Moscow. This is part of the largest prosecution of high-ranking officials below the executive or government level.

Russian media also reported that eight officials with general ranks were dismissed from agencies such as the Investigative Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Federal Penitentiary Service. They suggest that this is due to corruption charges.

“If true, this a potential indicator that corruption crackdowns are spreading from their previous narrow focus on the defense sector,” the statement says.

• In May, Lieutenant General Vadim Shamarin, head of the Main Communications Directorate, was detained in Russia. He was arrested for bribery.