Shamarin's sentencing highlights Kremlin's efforts to target corrupt practices within its military
Ex-Russian General Sentenced to Seven Years for Corruption
Ex-Russian General Sentenced to Seven Years for Corruption
Former military official convicted for accepting bribes amid crackdown on defense ministry corruption
Former Russian Lt Gen Vadim Shamarin has been sentenced to seven years in prison for accepting substantial bribes. His arrest last year followed a wide-ranging anti-corruption drive targeting the defense ministry initiated by the Kremlin. The Investigative Committee of Russia revealed that Shamarin accepted bribes amounting to 36 million roubles (approximately £331,000) from a telecommunications firm between 2019 and 2023, facilitating larger state contracts for the company.
Shamarin previously held the position of deputy chief of the army's general staff, overseeing military communications and the signals corps. According to Tass news agency, his sentence includes a seven-year ban from holding public office and he has been stripped of his military rank. In a notable twist, the court ordered the confiscation of the 36 million roubles he received in bribes, as reported by RIA Novosti.
The crackdown on corruption within the military saw Shamarin among several high-ranking officials being detained, including deputy defense minister Timur Ivanov and Lt Gen Yuri Kuznetsov, who headed the defense ministry's personnel directorate. This initiative began after President Vladimir Putin dismissed long-serving Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in May 2024, appointing Andrei Belousov, an economist lacking military background, in his place. Analysts argue that this campaign against corruption is part of an effort by the Kremlin to enhance the efficiency of its military operations amid ongoing challenges.
Shamarin previously held the position of deputy chief of the army's general staff, overseeing military communications and the signals corps. According to Tass news agency, his sentence includes a seven-year ban from holding public office and he has been stripped of his military rank. In a notable twist, the court ordered the confiscation of the 36 million roubles he received in bribes, as reported by RIA Novosti.
The crackdown on corruption within the military saw Shamarin among several high-ranking officials being detained, including deputy defense minister Timur Ivanov and Lt Gen Yuri Kuznetsov, who headed the defense ministry's personnel directorate. This initiative began after President Vladimir Putin dismissed long-serving Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in May 2024, appointing Andrei Belousov, an economist lacking military background, in his place. Analysts argue that this campaign against corruption is part of an effort by the Kremlin to enhance the efficiency of its military operations amid ongoing challenges.
