Purge of corrupt generals underway in Moscow: British intelligence
Photo: Timur Ivanov (Russian midia)
Repressions against generals accused of corruption are underway in Moscow. In addition to the Ministry of Defense, other security agencies have also been affected, according to the UK Ministry of Defense on X.
As noted in the report, on October 7, 2024, Russian media reported that the prosecutor's office has brought additional charges against former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who was previously charged in April 2024.
The first case involves the embezzlement of 200 million rubles (approximately $2 million) during the procurement of two ferries for the Kerch Strait crossing, which were subsequently damaged during the war. The second case pertains to the embezzlement of 3 billion rubles (around $200 million) from Interkommerz Bank in a foreign currency purchase scheme.
According to British intelligence, accusations continue to mount against former high-ranking Russian military officials as part of the largest crackdown on officials below the executive or government level.
Russian media also report that eight officials with general ranks have been dismissed from agencies such as the Investigative Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Federal Penitentiary Service. Independent Russian media suggest that these dismissals are linked to corruption allegations.
"If true, this a potential indicator that corruption crackdowns are spreading from their previous narrow focus on the defence sector," the UK Ministry of Defense stated.
It is worth noting that after Vladimir Putin began his fifth presidential term, he made some changes in the government. Notably, he dismissed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, appointing him as the Secretary of the Security Council. Nikolai Patrushev, who had led the Security Council since 2008, became Putin's assistant. Andrei Biloусов was appointed as the new Defense Minister.
The arrests of generals began in the spring of 2024. However, according to British intelligence, eradicating corruption within the Russian military establishment is impossible.
