Russia’s investigative committee announced the arrest of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on Tuesday, suspected of accepting significant bribes. The statute cited for his detention pertains to accepting bribes “on a particularly large scale,” carrying a potential 15-year jail term upon conviction.
Ivanov, a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, was detained amidst speculation of elite infighting and a public crackdown on corruption within Russia’s armed forces. The Kremlin confirmed President Putin’s awareness of the situation, with Shoigu also briefed. Ivanov’s sudden arrest sparked conjecture about internal power struggles.
In his role since 2016, Ivanov oversaw property management, housing, construction, and mortgages at the defense ministry. Reports indicate his arrest was conducted by the Federal Security Service (FSB), as part of Putin’s recent directive to combat corruption in defense procurement.
While official confirmation of additional detentions is pending, Ivanov’s properties are reportedly being searched. State media has extensively covered the case, hinting at a prolonged investigation involving FSB military counter-intelligence.
Speculation swirls as to why such a high-ranking official closely associated with Shoigu would be targeted. Russian military bloggers have long accused top generals of corruption and incompetence, particularly following Russia’s hasty withdrawal from parts of Ukraine during the initial invasion.
Ivanov has been linked to ostentatious opulence, with allegations of leading a lavish lifestyle by Russia’s Anti-Corruption Foundation in 2022. His background includes a mathematics degree from Moscow State University and a career in Russia’s state atomic energy sector before entering government service under Shoigu.
Previously heading a defense ministry construction company, Ivanov’s wealth earned him recognition in Forbes magazine’s list of affluent figures within Russia’s security apparatus.