Russia’s Investigative Committee has initiated a fraud case against former Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov. Concurrently, the Garrison Military Court ordered that Popov remain in custody until October 29, following a ruling by Judge Andrey Tolkachevo (link).
According to Svetlana Petrenko, a representative of the Investigative Committee, Popov, who oversaw the military-themed Patriot Park from 2021 to 2024, allegedly enriched himself through the organization. He is accused of collaborating with the park’s directors and the deputy head of the Main Directorate for Innovations at the Russian Defense Ministry (details here).
Petrenko further explained that Popov allegedly compelled the heads of commercial entities with contractual ties to Patriot Park to perform construction and installation work at his private countryside estate without charge. The maintenance and technical upkeep of his 3-hectare estate were also reportedly handled at the park’s expense.
Popov, a retired army officer, served as Deputy Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2024 and previously held other significant positions, including the Head of the Civil Protection Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations. Despite these allegations, Igor Dyukin, Popov’s lawyer, confirmed that his client denies any wrongdoing. If convicted, Popov could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
For further information, please see the original article on JURIST (here).