Moscow: Timur Ivanov, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, finds himself embroiled in legal trouble as the Basmanny Court of Moscow has ordered his arrest on charges of receiving a bribe on an especially large scale.
According to the court’s press service, as reported by Interfax, Ivanov will remain in custody until June 23 as investigations continue into his alleged involvement in a corruption scheme.
Charges and Allegations
Ivanov, along with his acquaintance Sergei Borodin, stands accused of receiving a bribe on an “especially large scale”, as outlined in Part 6 of Article 290 of the Russian Criminal Code. This serious charge pertains to the extortion of bribes by a group of individuals who conspired beforehand to carry out illegal actions favoring the bribe-giver, often in the context of government contracts. Investigators assert that Ivanov and Borodin, alongside accomplices, formed an organized group to commit bribery by providing services during contracting and subcontracting work for the Ministry of Defense. The case suggests that these illicit activities were tied to construction and property management within the Ministry’s purview.
Despite the allegations, Ivanov maintains his innocence. Sources familiar with the case told Interfax that he denies any wrongdoing, contending that his actions were not criminal but rather civil in nature. His defense argues that the deputy minister’s conduct did not amount to bribery.
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Background of Timur Ivanov
Having assumed the role of Deputy Minister of Defense in May 2016, Ivanov was tasked with overseeing various aspects, including the construction and overhaul of departmental facilities, property management, troop quartering, housing, and medical support for the Armed Forces. Prior to this position, he served as the head of JSC Oboronstroy for several years.
Part 6 of Article 290 carries significant penalties for individuals found guilty of extortion of bribes, including a maximum prison term of 15 years and fines of up to seventy times the amount of the bribe.
