Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Stands Trial for Alleged Embezzlement
Trial underway for alleged financial misconduct by ex-Russian deputy defense minister.
In a Moscow courtroom, the trial of Timur Ivanov, ex-deputy defense minister of Russia, kicked off. Facing charges of embezzlement and money laundering, Ivanov pleaded not guilty, as noted by an AFP reporter present at the trial.
Ivanov's legal team maintains that the accusations are entirely unsubstantiated. Arrested in April 2024, Ivanov is alleged to have stolen approximately €35.2 million from Interkommerz Bank in Moscow and €2.2 million during the procurement of two ferries for the Crimean Peninsula.
A confidant of the former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, dismissed by Putin in 2024, Ivanov directed the construction of military facilities within the Defense Ministry. He currently resides on the EU sanctions list.
The Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, alleges Ivanov's illicit enrichment during Mariupol's reconstruction, following the city's occupation by Russia after intense battles. It's worth noting that Navalny met a demise under mysterious circumstances in a Siberian labor camp in February 2024 and is now classified as an "extremist" by Russian authorities.
Recently, the Russian government has intensified its anti-corruption efforts, with dozens of arrests from the defense sector since last year—many of whom are implicated in embezzlement.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Insights:
- In total, Ivanov is accused of embezzling around 3.2 billion rubles (nearly $38.3 million), primarily from Moscow-based bank Intercommerz, and over 200 million rubles during the procurement of two ferries for Crimea.
- Initially investigated for taking bribes, Ivanov's charges expanded to include embezzlement accusations.
- The investigation uncovered luxurious possessions of Ivanov, including 23 high-end and vintage cars, an extensive estate, a bathhouse, and vast landholdings.
- Anton Filatov, former director of Oboronlogistika, is on trial alongside Timur Ivanov and also denies the charges brought against him.
These trials form part of a larger anti-corruption push initiated by President Putin, with over a dozen officials accused of embezzling public funds in recent months.
- In the midst of Timur Ivanov's trial for alleged embezzlement and money laundering, he expressed uncertainty when asked about Mariupol's reconstruction, stating, "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can answer that."
- A series of messages on WhatsApp, purportedly between Ivanov and associates, have surfaced, hinting at potential illegal activities in relation to the procurement of two ferries for the Crimean Peninsula.
- According to the Anti-Corruption Foundation, Ivanov's legal aide, Ivan Petrov, was found communicating with Ivanov via ferry officials on WhatsApp, discussing matters concerning the ferry procurement.
