Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Arrested on Fraud Charges Related to Military Theme Park

Moscow - Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov has been arrested on charges of fraud in connection with a military theme park located outside of Moscow, as announced by federal investigators on Thursday. Popov is accused of exploiting resources from Patriot Park for personal gain, allegedly coercing contract workers at the park into performing unpaid construction work at his own property in the Moscow region between 2021 and 2024. He is also alleged to have diverted building materials intended for the park to his personal residence.

The Russian Investigative Committee, responsible for investigating major crimes, revealed that Popov continued utilizing Patriot Park's resources for the maintenance of his private property even after the completion of construction. Investigators have charged Popov with colluding with Patriot Park director Vyacheslav Akhmedov and senior defense ministry official Vladimir Shesterov. Earlier this month, both Akhmedov and Shesterov were also apprehended on similar charges.

Authorities have discovered properties worth 500 million rubles ($5.4 million) linked to Popov and his family in the Moscow region and the Krasnodar region of southern Russia. Popov, a retired general, served as deputy defense minister from November 2013 until June 2024. He is the third deputy defense minister and one of several senior military officials to be arrested on corruption charges this year, which is seen as part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the Russian military.

The series of arrests began in April with the detainment of former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who was regarded as an ally of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. In May, Shoigu was replaced and now holds the position of chief of Russia's Security Council.

This recent development highlights the ongoing efforts by Russian authorities to combat corruption within the military establishment. The case against Popov and his alleged accomplices represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the defense sector in the country.