Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Faces Fraud Charges

Russia's Investigative Committee has initiated a fraud investigation against Pavel Popov, a former deputy defence minister, marking the latest development in a series of corruption probes within the country's military establishment.

Popov, who held his position from 2013 to 2024, is the third senior defence official to be investigated in connection with the construction of Patriot Park, a military-themed attraction near Moscow. This case follows the recent detentions of Major General Vladimir Shesterov and Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the park's director, on similar fraud suspicions.

According to the Investigative Committee, Popov allegedly exploited his role overseeing Patriot Park's development and operation for personal gain. Investigators claim that since 2021, he diverted building materials from the park to his private residence for renovations.

Patriot Park, opened in 2016, is a significant tourist destination spanning 5,414 hectares. It showcases an extensive collection of Russian and Soviet military equipment, offering visitors interactive experiences with combat simulations and the opportunity to explore tanks and other military vehicles.

The ongoing investigation is examining several properties owned by Popov and his family members, valued at over 500 million rubles (approximately $5.47 million as of August 2024).

This case is part of a broader anti-corruption initiative that has implicated at least a dozen officials since April 2024, representing the most significant wave of corruption scandals in the Russian military and defence sector in recent years.

The corruption probe coincides with a major leadership change in May 2024, when President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly replaced long-serving defence minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov. This move was widely interpreted as an effort to improve management of Russia's substantial defence budget and reduce waste and corruption.

Popov, aged 67, has a background in military service, having graduated from a military academy and served 17 years in Russia's Emergencies Ministry. Notably, Shoigu, who now serves as secretary of Russia's security council, led the Emergencies Ministry from 1991 to 2012.

Patriot Park, despite the ongoing investigations, continues to be a popular attraction, drawing over 1 million visitors annually. The park features unique exhibits such as a replica of the Reichstag building, a collection of 268 aircraft and 350 tanks, and even a full-scale model of a nuclear submarine.

"Popov, responsible for the development, maintenance and operation of Patriot Park, enriched himself at the expense of this establishment."

As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing efforts to address corruption within Russia's defense sector, potentially impacting the management of significant military-themed projects like Patriot Park.