2/7/2025–|Last update: 21:09 (Mecca time)
A Russian court convicted Timor Ivanov The former deputy minister of defense on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, and decided to imprison him for 13 years, and he is the most severe sentence so far in a series of corruption cases against defense officials.
Ivanov, 49, stood in dark clothes in a metal cage in the courtroom, smiling, while the judge said he decided to “sentence Ivanov to 13 years in prison and a fine of 100 million rubles ($ 1.27 million).”
Ivanov has been detained since his arrest in April 2024 with embezzlement of 3.9 billion rubles (about 50 million dollars), and he denied these charges for himself. The court confiscated its assets, which included luxury real estate and a group of classic cars. Ivanov’s lawyers stated that they would challenge the ruling.
One of his former aides, Anton Villanov, was sentenced to 12 and a half years’ imprisonment.
Ivanov was appointed to the position of Deputy Minister of Defense in 2016, and supervised the army construction projects, in addition to the Department of Facilities, Housing and Medical Support for the Army.
“The Brilliant General”
Russian media described Ivanov as “the brilliant general” due to his lavish lifestyle that angered many in Moscow.
Russian media reported that his wife owns a luxury apartment in central Moscow, and a 3 -storey English -style minor on the outskirts of the capital, and a large group of classic cars, including Bentley and Aston Martin.
TASS News Agency reported, quoting judicial documents – that the origins of his family, which Russia frozen, includes 23 luxury and classic cars.
During the investigation, the law enforcement forces confiscated a palace of 2500 square meters, a 420 square meter bath, and a 20 -acre land piece, according to the Russian RIA Novosti agency.
Lawyer Murad Musayev said: “The rumors about Ivanov’s wealth, which is estimated at a large exaggeration, is largely exaggerated.”
The Anti -Corruption Corporation -a survey created by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny In 2022- Ivanov benefited from construction projects in the Ukrainian coastal city of Mariool.
Ivanov is the most severe judgment so far in a series of corruption cases against defense officials.
Ivanov was a deputySergei ShoiguWho was isolated from the position of defense minister last year, but still is an important position as Secretary -General of the Security Council of President Vladimir Putin.
Russia has tried more than 12 military officials – including two other deputy ministers – in investigations into separate cases since last year, targeting prominent figures accused of stealing huge amounts of funds allocated to major military projects.
The Russian president launched Vladimir Putin Public campaigns to combat corruption during his 25 -year rule. But critics claim that the rare arrests of prominent personalities are usually with political motives or as a result of internal conflicts between the elite, and not real attempts to eradicate corruption.