Trouble for a Dissident Ex-General: Popov's Prison Term over Theft Charges
Former Russian general, once prominent, receives incarceration.
In a courtroom south of Moscow, the former Russian general, Ivan Popov, known for his outspoken criticism of Russia's war leadership, received a five-year sentence in a labor camp. Popov was found guilty of involvement in a theft of metal components, and his military rank was also revoked.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Popov wished to rejoin the battlefield, but the court declined his request. His lawyer plans to appeal the verdict. Popov held the position of commander for the Russian 58th Army until summer 2023, including during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
This military court case, referred to as the "Popov trial," centered around the allegation that Popov collaborated in the theft of metal parts intended for the front in the Saporishya region. The theft resulted in significant damages of approximately 1.2 million euros. A businessman and another officer were also implicated.
A Look into the 'Purge':Popov's former unit played a significant role in the occupation of Mariupol. Following heavy losses, Popov expressed critics of Russia's war leadership, calling for a rotation of combat units to balance losses. However, he did not question the war itself.
Russia's ongoing internal military reshuffle resulted in the arrest of Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Valery Kapashin for embezzlement in late 2023. The arrest added to the "purging" of military officials accused of corruption and abuse during the conflict.
Insights:- Ivan Popov, once renowned as "Spartak" among Russian troops, made waves for his outspoken stance and frontline experience amid the “purging” of military officials.- Popov's conviction and denial of rejoining the frontlines occurred amid broader turmoil in the Russian military, including the dismissal of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu following accusations of incompetence and corruption.
Source: ntv.de, lar/dpa
- Russia
- Justice
- Military
- Crime
- Trials
[1] RFE/RL: Ex-General Ivan Popov Jailed in Russia on Charges of Theft and Abuse of Authority
[2] The Moscow Times: Russian Ex-General Ivan Popov Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Embezzlement
[3] The New York Times: Popov, a Russian General Who Arrived on the Frontlines, Now Faces Court-Martial
[4] Foreign Policy: Russia's Purge of the Military Continues: Ex-General Ivan Popov Goes to Jail
[5] The Moscow Times: Defense Minister Shoigu Dismissed in Russia as Moscow’s War Effort Falters
- The community policy in Russia, particularly in military circles, appears to be undergoing a significant shift, as evidenced by the jailing of ex-General Ivan Popov due to charges of theft and abuse of authority.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, the Russian Military continues to experience internal purges, with notable figures like Ivan Popov, once esteemed as "Spartak" among troops, now being convicted and sentenced to prison terms.
- The crime-and-justice sector in Russia has been actively prosecuting military personnel, as seen in the trial and sentencing of Ivan Popov to five years in a labor camp for his involvement in a theft case.
- The employment policy within the Russian military has been marked by a wave of arrests and dismissals, with high-ranking officials like Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Valery Kapashin being detained for embezzlement, mirroring the case of Ivan Popov.
