Head of Russian Defense Construction Division Detained Amid Corruption Charges

Andrei Belkov, head of the Russian Defense Ministry's construction division, has been detained for two months on abuse of power charges. His arrest follows a series of similar charges against high-ranking military officials, including his boss, Timur Ivanov, who was arrested for bribery. Belkov’s detention is linked to the alleged overpricing of a tomography machine.

Moscow's court has ordered the detention of Andrei Belkov, head of the Russian Defense Ministry's construction division, on suspicion of abuse of power. This detention adds to a series of arrests involving high-ranking military officials this year.

The Military Construction Company, led by Belkov, constructs bases, hospitals, and schools. The division had been under the supervision of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who was arrested in April for bribery. Other top military officers have also been detained over fraud and bribery charges.

According to the online news portal Meduza, Belkov's arrest is tied to the procurement of an overpriced tomography machine during the renovation of a military medical center. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Belkov's superior, Ivanov, was closely linked with former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, dismissed by President Vladimir Putin after widespread criticism for military failures in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)