Former Deputy Defense Minister Popov detained in Russia on fraud charges

The Russian news agency Interfax reported Popov's detention.

According to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Popov, who oversaw the development of Patriot Park, allegedly enriched himself using park funds, working alongside the park’s director, Vyacheslav Akhmedov, and Vladimir Shesterov, the deputy head of the Ministry of Defense’s Main Department of Innovative Development, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Investigators revealed that Popov also arranged for construction and repair work, as well as the delivery of various materials, to his private property in the Krasnogorsk district — all at the park's expense.

Additionally, the Investigative Committee claims that Popov coerced commercial contractors into performing construction and assembly work in his apartments without payment.

Reports indicate that Popov and his family own real estate in prestigious areas of Moscow, the Moscow region, and the Krasnodar region. The total value of these properties exceeds 500 million rubles. Law enforcement is currently investigating the legality of these acquisitions.

The report further notes that Pavel Popov could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of fraud.

Corruption in the Russian Ministry of Defense

In April 2024, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu removed Deputy Minister Timur Ivanov from his position. Ivanov was earlier detained on suspicion of accepting a bribe and was arrested for two months — until June 23, 2024.

The court confirmed that Ivanov is accused of accepting bribes related to contract and subcontract work for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The UK Ministry of Defense reported that corruption within Russia's defense ministry was a key factor in its poor performance.

Intelligence sources believe corruption has long undermined the effectiveness of the Russian Defense Ministry, particularly during the early stages of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine when issues such as expired rations, low-quality tires, and fuel theft were suspected.

At the end of July, former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov was detained and arrested in Moscow as part of a corruption investigation.