Yet another Russian Military Officer Accused of Engaging in Corrupt Practices
Corruption accusations against higher-ranking Russian military officials have been multiplying. Analysts speculate about a purge orchestrated by the Kremlin. Recent developments include an investigation into a senior military figure for supposedly accepting substantial bribes.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, Gen. Valery Mumindzhanov has been charged with accepting a "large-scale bribe." This crime in Russia can lead to a prison term of up to 15 years.
Gen. Mumindzhanov holds the position of deputy commander for logistics within the Leningrad Military District. Previously, he worked in the Ministry of Defense. Investigations hint at Mumindzhanov accepting a bribe exceeding 20 million rubles (equivalent to around 202,000 euros) regarding uniform contracts. As a result, his financial transactions have come under scrutiny due to accusations of illicit activity.
Gen. Mumindzhanov and his family are reportedly in possession of "numerous properties in Moscow and Voronezh valued above 120 million rubles," the Investigative Committee revealed. The legitimacy of this wealth is now under review. At least ten military officials, including generals and Ministry of Defense high-ranking staff in Moscow, have been under the radar of Russian law enforcement agencies since April due to allegations of corruption or fraud.
Some view it as a purge campaign
Corruption probes started gaining momentum just before the unexpected departure of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in May, after serving for more than a decade. Economist Andrei Belousov was appointed as the new defense minister.
Certain observers propose that these intensifying corruption investigations against Russian military authorities are the outcome of a purge campaign. Conversely, the Kremlin insists that these probes are standard anti-corruption efforts in an area that has been repeatedly hit by scandals in the past.
The European Union has expressed concern over the increasing number of corruption allegations within the Russian military, particularly in light of the purge campaign being speculated. Recently, the European Union called on Russia to uphold its commitments to transparency and accountability within its military institutions.
Given the European Union's stance on corruption and its emphasis on rule of law, it may consider imposing sanctions on individuals found guilty of corruption, as a part of its broader strategy to promote democratic values and good governance globally.
