A Russian law enforcement official told the official TASS news agency that Ivanov was suspected of accepting bribes and that the case was based “on the testimony of eyewitnesses and the results of operational activity”.
Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was sidelined over criticism of his handling of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, had been warned that his deputy would be arrested in advance. Ivanov reportedly attended meetings with Shoigu and other military officials the day before his arrest.
Meanwhile, local media claim that Ivanov – who was allegedly responsible for construction in the razed and Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol – had built his own real estate empire.
A 2022 investigation by allies of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in an Arctic prison in February, claimed the defense official transferred millions of dollars to his wife, who allegedly spent this money on luxury yachts, jewelry and shopping. Paris.
Upon the announcement of Ivanov’s arrest, Maria Pevchikh, president of the Anti-Corruption Fund founded by Navalny, wrote on social media, “today is a good day.”
Politico
