Russian military corruption probe implicates top officials - British intelligence

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov (Photo: rosmedia)

The case against Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov may involve other Russian officials. Corruption remains a major issue within the Russian military, according to the British Ministry of Defense.

British intelligence indicates that the corruption investigation has implicated Sergei Shoigu’s first deputy, Ruslan Tsalikov, whom the FSB interrogated. Tsalikov is described as Ivanov’s “patron” and effectively ranks third in the Russian Ministry of Defense after Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Tsalikov has longstanding connections with Shoigu, having worked under him at the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia before following him to the Moscow Region Governor’s Office and then to the Ministry of Defense in 2012.

There are also suggestions that Ivanov’s case may touch on Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov. Intelligence indicates that construction agencies of the Ministry of Defense built a house for Siluanov.

British intelligence notes that corruption in the Russian Ministry of Defense is one of the primary issues. In 2019, Russia’s chief military prosecutor, Valery Petrov, stated that corruption is the root cause of most problems in the rule of law.

Corruption has been a factor in Russia’s poor efficiency, especially at the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict, involving expired rations, poor-quality tires, and reports of fuel embezzlement.

Shoigu’s deputy arrest

On April 23, Russia arrested Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov on suspicion of bribery, placing him in custody.

Some Russian media claim that Ivanov was arrested not for corruption but for state treason. However, Moscow has not officially stated this.

Sources from RBC-Ukraine within the special services reported that the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine effectively assisted in exposing Ivanov. In March 2024, the Main Intelligence Directorate gained access to Ivanov’s official documents, leading to an investigation against the Russian official after disseminating information against him.