Russian law enforcement announced on Friday that they had arrested former Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov on corruption charges. They moved the 69-year-old general to a detention center in Moscow.
Arrest Details
Bulgakov is now in Lefortovo, a notorious pre-trial detention center in Moscow. The Russian Investigative Committee, which handles major crimes, confirmed his arrest. However, they did not provide specific details about the corruption charges.
Background and Role
Bulgakov served as deputy defense minister from 2008 to 2022. He was in charge of military logistics and administrative issues. In September 2022, he was replaced in a major reshuffle of the military leadership.
Corruption Charges
On Friday, TASS news agency reported that Bulgakov faces charges of large-scale embezzlement. This crime could lead to up to 10 years in prison. Bulgakov allegedly set up a system to supply low-quality food rations to Russian troops at inflated prices. Three other people involved in this scheme were arrested in April.
Recent Military Purge
Bulgakov’s arrest forms part of a broader purge in Russia’s Defense Ministry. Since April, authorities have arrested several high-ranking officials. This purge appears linked to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Previous Arrests
In April, authorities arrested Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, who was seen as an ally of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. In May, President Vladimir Putin fired Shoigu, blaming him for mishandling the war in Ukraine. Putin then replaced Shoigu with Andrei Belousov, an economist who had no military experience.
Recent Developments
Earlier this week, Russian media reported another arrest. Authorities arrested Andrei Belkov, the head of the Defense Ministry’s construction company, on charges of abuse of power. Investigators are examining Belkov’s contracts, personal earnings, and connections. The U.S. sanctioned the construction company in 2023 due to its role in rebuilding Mariupol, a city occupied during the conflict.
Bulgakov’s arrest adds to a series of high-profile arrests in Russia’s Defense Ministry. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to address corruption and mismanagement amid the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. The situation highlights significant changes and challenges within Russia’s military leadership.