Russia arrests former deputy defense minister

Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov was detained and investigated for allegedly abusing his position for personal gain.

Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov (Photo: X).

The Russian Investigative Committee announced on August 29 the arrest and opening of an investigation into former Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov.

Several properties owned by Mr. Popov and his family, worth more than 500 million rubles (nearly $5.5 million), are also under investigation.

This is the third investigation into a senior Russian defense official involved in the Patriot military exhibition park development project.

“Mr. Popov, who was responsible for the development, maintenance and operation of Patriot Park, profited from the funds of this facility,” the Russian Investigative Committee said.

Patriot Park is a popular tourist attraction in Russia. It displays Russian and Soviet-era weapons. Visitors can sit on tanks and take part in simulated combat.

According to investigators, since 2021, Mr. Popov has been transporting various construction materials from the park to his country house for installation. By mid-June this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had dismissed Mr. Popov.

Mr Popov, 67, graduated from a military academy and served for 17 years in Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations. His case is one of a series of arrests and corruption investigations into the Russian military in recent months.

Along with these arrests and corruption investigations, in May, President Putin dismissed Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and appointed Andrei Belousov as his replacement.