The arrest of Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on Tuesday sent shockwaves through the Russian defense establishment. Ivanov was detained by the Federal Security Service (FSB) on suspicion of taking bribes, according to a brief statement from Russia’s investigative committee. The statute cited for his detention carries a potential sentence of 15 years in jail if convicted.
Ivanov, who has served as deputy minister since 2016, was responsible for property management, housing, construction, and mortgages at the Defense Ministry. Kommersant newspaper reported that Ivanov’s arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into corruption in state defense procurement that had been initiated well before Tuesday.
The arrest has fueled speculation about a possible power struggle within the Russian elite, as well as a broader crackdown on corruption within the post-Soviet military. Ivanov’s close association with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who is tasked with leading Russia’s war in Ukraine, has added another layer of intrigue to the case.
Ivanov’s arrest is the culmination of long-standing allegations of corruption and incompetence among top Russian generals, particularly in the wake of the army’s withdrawal from parts of Ukraine. The Anti-Corruption Foundation, headed by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has previously accused Ivanov and his family of leading a lavish lifestyle.
As Ivanov remains in detention, the investigation into his alleged corruption continues. The arrest serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Russia’s military and the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its ranks.
