Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Detained on Fraud Charges

Russia’s Investigative Committee has accused former Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov of fraud related to the construction of Patriot Park, an amusement park for the military located outside Moscow, Bloomberg reports, citing Russian media reports.

According to the state-run news agency Tass, Popov has been detained and faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.

Popov’s arrest marks a notable development in a broader investigation into corruption within the Russian defense sector. He is the third deputy to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to be arrested in recent months as authorities intensify their scrutiny of alleged corrupt practices. Popov was dismissed from his position in June, shortly after President Vladimir Putin appointed former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov to replace Shoigu.

The Investigative Committee issued a statement indicating that it is investigating the legality of assets valued at over 500 million rubles (some $5.5 million) belonging to Popov and his family, with properties located in Moscow, the surrounding region, and Russia’s Krasnodar region.