Russia’s popular military-themed Patriot Park is at the center of a corruption scandal following the arrest of its director on fraud charges.
Often referred to as Russia’s “military Disneyland,” the park is now under investigation for financial misconduct.
On Monday, Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the director of Patriot Park, was arrested on suspicion of embezzling a large sum of money from the federal budget allocated for the park.
Major General Vladimir Shestrov, a high-ranking Defense Ministry official, was also detained in connection with the case, according to a spokesperson from Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Authorities allege that Akhmedov embezzled over 40 million rubles (around €430,000) that were intended for the park’s development and upkeep.
This arrest is part of a broader effort by Russian authorities to crack down on corruption within the defense sector.
The Patriot Park
The Patriot Park opened in 2015.
It was designed to boost national pride, especially after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
The park features interactive exhibits showcasing Russian and Soviet military equipment, as well as Western vehicles captured during conflicts. It’s a popular spot for Russian families.
Timur Ivanov, a former deputy defense minister arrested earlier this year on corruption charges, played a key role in the park’s creation.
After his arrest, law enforcement conducted searches at Patriot Park, initially believed to be related to his case.
Officials later confirmed the searches were tied to the investigation into Akhmedov’s alleged fraud.
