https://unb.com.bd/category/World/russias-former-deputy-defense-minister-handed-13-year-sentence-on-corruption/163202

Russia’s former deputy defense minister, Timur Ivanov, was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Tuesday after being found guilty of embezzlement and money laundering in a high-profile corruption case that has highlighted deep-rooted graft within the Russian military — a factor many blame for Moscow’s failures on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Ivanov, 49, is the most prominent figure caught up in an extensive investigation into military corruption that has implicated several senior officials linked to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Despite the crackdown on his associates, Shoigu, a longtime ally of President Vladimir Putin, retained his political influence and was recently appointed as the head of Russia’s Security Council.

Appointed as deputy defense minister in 2016, Ivanov was responsible for overseeing military construction, property management, housing, and medical support for armed forces personnel. His extravagant lifestyle sparked public anger in Russia, particularly as the war in Ukraine revealed significant shortcomings in military logistics and organization that contributed to Russia’s military struggles.

Ivanov was arrested in April 2024 and has been in detention since. On Tuesday, Moscow City Court convicted him of embezzling 3.9 billion rubles — approximately $50 million — which he has denied. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the seizure of his assets, which reportedly include luxury real estate and a valuable collection of vintage cars.

Ivanov’s legal team announced plans to appeal the verdict.

He has also been placed under sanctions by both the United States and the European Union for his involvement in Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.