Senior Russian Defence Officials Detained in Corruption Crackdown

Russian authorities have detained Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov as part of ongoing corruption investigations related to budget fund theft in Patriot Park. The crackdown has already implicated several high-ranking officials and aims to eliminate waste and graft in Russia's defence sector.

In a significant move against corruption within its military ranks, Russian authorities have detained Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov. According to the state investigative committee, the arrests are linked to the theft of budget funds allocated for Patriot Park, a popular military theme park near Moscow. Investigations are focusing on evidence dating back to 2021, and additional park employees have also been detained.

The corruption scandal has already implicated several top officials, including a deputy defence minister and high-ranking military personnel. The suspects are accused of embezzling over 40 million roubles ($470,000), with their bank accounts frozen and facing potential imprisonment of up to 10 years if convicted.

This crackdown marks the largest wave of corruption probes in Russia's defence establishment for years. It follows the unexpected replacement of long-serving defence minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov by President Vladimir Putin, aiming to tighten management of the vast defence budget amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)