Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

UK intel: Russia purging defense industry of corrupt officials

Although it does tolerate some corruption, the Kremlin is conducting crackdowns on corrupt officials in the defense industry unable to find patrons or other forms of protection.
Russian soldiers, illustrative image. Photo via Wikimedia.
Russian soldiers, illustrative image. Photo via Wikimedia.
UK intel: Russia purging defense industry of corrupt officials

The military intelligence agency of the United Kingdom sees signs of purges ongoing in the Russian defense industry as some corrupt officials have been arrested.

As reported by the British Ministry of Defense on X.

According to Russian media, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Military Construction Company, Andrei Belkov, has been arrested on charges of corruption related to procurement activity.

The Military Construction Company was set up in 2019 specifically to achieve efficiencies with the then Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu praising the ”special internal and external audit regime” that the company would bring to the defense sector.

In reality, British intelligence states, it is likely the company has been used to extract rents by corrupt officials.

Separately on 23 July 2024, the former director of the Zvezda-Strela tactical missile plant was sentenced to prison for embezzlement and price inflation by a court in Rostov-on-Don.

The UK military intelligence agency observes that corruption is ”endemic in the Russian defense industry.”

”In 2007, an audit commissioned by the then Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov revealed that 70% of Ministry of Defense budgetary resources were used for purposes other than those officially designated,” the report reads.

Some of this corruption is tolerated by the Kremlin, but as British intel notes, there have been increasing crackdowns on those not sufficiently politically protected since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts