Timur Ivanov, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, has been arrested by the Basmanny Court of Moscow on charges of receiving a bribe on an especially large scale.
According to the court's press service, as reported by Interfax, Ivanov will remain in custody until June 23 as part of the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in a corruption scheme.
Charges and Allegations
Ivanov and another individual, his acquaintance Sergei Borodin, are accused of receiving a bribe on an "especially large scale," as outlined in Part 6 of Article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code. This charge involves extortion of a bribe by a group of individuals who conspired in advance to commit illegal actions in favor of the bribe-giver, often related to government contracts.
Investigators allege that Ivanov and Borodin, in cooperation with third parties, formed an organized group to commit bribery by providing services during contracting and subcontracting work for the Ministry of Defense. The case suggests that the bribes were related to construction and property management within the Ministry's jurisdiction.
Ivanov denies any wrongdoing.
Sources familiar with the case told Interfax that Ivanov insists on his innocence, stating that his actions were civil in nature and did not constitute bribery. His defenders support this claim, arguing that the deputy minister's conduct was not criminal.
Background of Timur Ivanov
Ivanov has held his position as Deputy Minister of Defense since May 2016. His responsibilities included overseeing the construction and overhaul of departmental facilities, organizing property management, troop quartering, housing, and medical support for the Armed Forces. Prior to his role as deputy minister, he was the head of JSC Oboronstroy for several years.
Part 6 of Article 290 carries severe penalties for those found guilty of extortion of a bribe. The maximum term of imprisonment is 15 years, along with a fine of up to seventy times the amount of the bribe.
