High-Ranking Russian Official Arrested for Corruption Allegations
An influential Russian official faces bribery charges in a major corruption scandal, marking a significant development since President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine.
A Russian deputy defense minister has been accused of accepting a bribe, making it the most high-profile corruption scandal in the country since President Vladimir Putin initiated his invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.
The deputy minister, Timur Ivanov, is believed to have taken a bribe of 1 million rubles, which is equivalent to at least $10,800, according to reports from Russian state media TASS.
He was seen in a Moscow court on Wednesday, wearing a full military uniform while standing in a glass cage. He was accused of taking a bribe as part of an organized group during his work for the Defense Ministry. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
According to Moscow's court Telegram channel, Ivanov will remain in custody at a pre-trial detention center until at least June 23. His lawyer, Denis Baluyev, is appealing the case and has requested that Ivanov be placed under house arrest instead, as reported by Russian state media RIA Novosti.
Burned-out cars are seen in a residential area of the city of Belgorod following fresh aerial attacks on March 22, 2024. (Photo by STRINGER / AFP) (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)
The city of Belgorod was recently hit by aerial attacks, leaving behind a trail of burned-out cars in a residential area. The aftermath of the attacks is visible in the form of destruction and chaos on the streets.
AFP/Getty Images
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Ivanov, a key figure in the conflict since 2016, is considered a major player in Russia's actions in Ukraine. He is known to have a strong alliance with Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. Despite rumors of his dismissal, Ivanov is still officially listed as a serving minister on the Defense Ministry website.
The unexpected arrest of an ally of Shoigu may once again add pressure on the defense minister, who has faced criticism for his handling of the Ukraine invasion, especially from the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Despite challenges, Shoigu has retained his position with the support of Putin.
According to Russian investigative journalist Andrey Soldatov, this arrest follows a common "tactic" employed by the FSB, Russia's security service. They often target a high-ranking official to address any misconduct within the ministry, agency, or organization as a whole.
Soldatov mentioned that the deputy will undergo extensive questioning, not just about himself, but also expected to provide evidence that could incriminate high-ranking members of the organization.
Ivanov, on the other hand, has been tasked with the reconstruction of Mariupol, a city in southern Ukraine that was left in ruins after a prolonged siege by Russian forces at the start of the war. As part of Russia's efforts to create a false impression of progress, the minister has been frequently photographed inaugurating various construction projects in the city.
Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is seen with his ex-wife Svetlana Maniovich, in an image from Maniovich's Instagram.
Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is seen with his ex-wife Svetlana Maniovich, in an image from Maniovich's Instagram.
Zakharova Sveta/Instagram
Ivanov's extravagant lifestyle has made him well-known in Russia, but it has also brought him under the spotlight of Alexey Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF). Maria Pevchikh, the foundation's chair, pointed out that Ivanov holds a highly profitable position in Russia’s Defense Ministry and suggested that the invasion of Ukraine has further increased his wealth.
Pevchikh informed CNN last year that Ivanov's wealth, which includes a historic house in a pricey Moscow district, is believed to be sourced from corrupt activities. The Russian Defense Ministry did not provide a response to CNN's inquiry.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ivanov faced sanctions from both the European Union and the United States.
His ex-wife, Svetlana Maniovich, has been living a luxurious European lifestyle despite her former husband's controversial involvement in Ukraine. She has been enjoying yachting in the Mediterranean, skiing in the Alps, and residing in Paris.
An investigation conducted by the ACF last year shed light on Maniovich's extravagant spending habits. Based on 8,000 leaked emails, it was revealed that she splurged over $100,000 at a prestigious jewelry store on Place Vendrome in Paris in March 2022, while the city of Mariupol was under siege.
CNN’s Clarissa Ward, Mick Krever and Clare Sebastian contributed reporting.
Editor's P/S:
The arrest of Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov is a significant development, signaling a potential crackdown on corruption within the country's military. Ivanov, a key figure in the Ukraine conflict, was accused of accepting a bribe of 1 million rubles, raising questions about the extent of graft within the Defense Ministry. The detention of Ivanov, who has been close to Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, may further strain Shoigu's position, as he has faced criticism for handling the Ukraine invasion.
Ivanov's extravagant lifestyle and his ex-wife's lavish spending habits, as exposed by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, highlight the potential for corruption within the Russian military. The investigation into Ivanov's wealth and his alleged corrupt activities could lead to further revelations about the extent of misconduct within the Defense Ministry. The arrest and investigation send a message that corruption will not be tolerated, potentially leading to a reassessment of conduct within the Russian military.
