Russian investigators to probe former Def Min on abuse of office costing RUB 56 mln

Former-Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov hit the headlines this week after major crime watchdog, the Investigative Committee, announced the launch of a probe into alleged abuse of office, which may have cost the ministry an estimated RUB 56 mln, the Russian media reported on Nov. 28.

“Anatoly Serdyukov, the ex-Russian defense minister, who lost his post after investigators uncovered alleged multi-million-dollar corruption schemes within his agency, is now facing a criminal probe over 56 million rubles of allegedly wasted funds,” Russian news portal RT.com reported.

The allegations center on the use of Defense Ministry resources to create infrastructure leading to a private estate owned by Serdyokov’s brother-in-law and his business associate . The property, originally owned by the Defense Ministry, has since been returned.

Serdyukov first came into the spotlight in Nov. 2012, during his heavily publicized sacking by President Vladimir Putin over allegations of corruption.

The scandal involved the sale of attractive real-estate belonging to the Defense Ministry, by a state controlled holding company called Oboronservis. The property was sold at very low prices. Former Defense Ministry Director in charge of real-estate, Yevgeniya Vasilyeva, who was reportedly Serdyukov’s lover, coordinated activities in Oboronservis while the Defense Minister was the supervisory board chief.

Vasilyeva pleaded not guilty to defrauding state property. Serdyukov testified in court but was not charged.

If charged in this new case, the former defense minister faces a few months in prison or community service.