Panic as Russia arrests former deputy defence minister over alleged corruption

In a significant development within Russia’s military, former deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov has been arrested and charged with corruption.

This arrest, which has sparked tension in the country, marks the latest episode in an ongoing purge targeting high-ranking military officials.

Bulgakov, who oversaw military logistics for nearly 15 years before his dismissal in September 2022, was apprehended by the FSB security agency on Friday, the UK Guardian reported.

He has been taken to the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow.

He is accused of failing to manage the Russian army’s logistics effectively during the initial phases of the Kremlin’s Ukraine invasion, which contributed to severe supply shortages and hindered Moscow’s progress.

Bulgakov, a decorated official with several prestigious awards, including the Hero of Russia, was one of the longest-serving figures in the defense sector.

The current purge began on April 23 with the arrest of Timur Ivanov, another senior deputy defense minister. This was followed by the detention of four additional top officials on corruption charges, representing one of the most extensive crackdowns in decades.

Additionally, President Vladimir Putin dismissed longtime defense minister Sergei Shoigu and appointed economist Andrei Belousov as his successor. This reshuffle is perceived as an effort by Putin to tackle corruption within the defense ministry and enhance military production capabilities amidst the protracted conflict with Ukraine.

The crackdown underscores the rising influence of the FSB in Russian political affairs. Despite the high-profile nature of these arrests, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has downplayed the notion of a targeted campaign, describing the anti-corruption efforts as part of ongoing, consistent work.