Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov Arrested on Bribery Charges, Officials Report | Global News

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov has been detained on suspicion of “large-scale” bribe-taking, marking one of the highest-profile corruption cases in Russia since the country’s involvement in the war in Ukraine.

The Investigative Committee, Russia’s top investigative body, announced late Tuesday that Ivanov had been taken into custody, with an ongoing investigation into his alleged crimes. The charges against him include accepting bribes “on a particularly large scale.”

In 2022, the Anti-Corruption Foundation, led by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, accused Ivanov and his family of living a lavish lifestyle, including extravagant spending on real estate, luxury trips, and designer clothing.

Reports suggest that Ivanov oversaw large construction projects, including the rebuilding of the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was heavily impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu were informed of Ivanov’s detention. Searches were reportedly conducted at Ivanov’s properties, and if convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Ivanov, known for his expertise in cybernetics and the nuclear industry, was listed as one of the wealthiest individuals in Russia’s security structures by Forbes magazine. This case marks one of the most significant corruption charges against a senior Russian official since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

Having worked in various sectors before joining the defence ministry in 2010, Ivanov rose to the position of deputy minister in 2016. This high-profile case has sent shockwaves through Russia’s political and military circles, highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption within the country.