A former Russian defense official, Pavel Popov, has been ordered detained on fraud charges in the latest development of a sweeping investigation into abuse of office within the military leadership. Popov, a former Deputy Defense Minister, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on suspicion of committing fraud.
The case against Popov is linked to business activities at Patriot Park in Moscow, known as Russia's 'military Disneyland.' The park, a project of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, aims to promote patriotism and showcases Soviet and Russian weaponry.
Popov is the eighth senior military figure to be arrested on charges of fraud, bribery, or abuse of office in recent months. The arrests began before Defense Minister Shoigu was replaced by economist Andrei Belousov, indicating a crackdown on corruption within the defense ministry.
Popov is accused of renovating his properties in Moscow using funds from Patriot Park. He allegedly forced companies with park contracts to work on his personal properties without payment. Investigators are also looking into Popov's ownership of properties in Moscow and southern Russia worth $5.5 million.
Former Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Dmitry Bulgakov was also recently detained on charges of embezzlement related to supplying low-quality food rations to Russian troops at inflated prices. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
These arrests signal a shift towards greater accountability within the Russian military leadership, with a focus on combating corruption and abuse of power.
