Corruption Probe Targets Ex-Defence Deputy Pavel Popov Amid Military Theme Park Fraud Allegations

A Moscow court has detained former deputy defence minister Pavel Popov on suspicion of fraud, marking the third corruption investigation involving top defence officials. The probe revolves around alleged embezzlement linked to the construction of a military theme park, with ties to ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu's tenure.

A military court in Moscow placed Pavel Popov, a former deputy defence minister, in detention on Thursday on suspicion of fraud. This latest corruption probe is part of a significant crackdown on officials connected to ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu.

The court ordered Popov's detention until October 29, according to Russian media. Popov, who has been in his role since 2013, denies the charges, as confirmed by his lawyer. This investigation follows an anti-corruption drive that has implicated at least a dozen officials since April.

In May, President Vladimir Putin replaced Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov, aiming for tighter management of the defence budget amid ongoing military conflicts with Ukraine. Popov was relieved of his post in June and is the third senior official tied to the controversial military theme park project near Moscow to be investigated.

(With inputs from agencies.)