Ex-Defense Official Sentenced to 6 Years for Embezzlement Linked to Russias Military Theme Park Scandal

A military court on Wednesday condemned former high-ranking Defense Ministry official Vladimir Shesterov to six years behind bars for extensive fraud associated with state contracts for Russia’s expansive military-themed park.

Shesterov, who previously held the position of deputy head at the Defense Ministry’s Main Department for Innovative Development, was taken into custody last August for allegedly embezzling over 40 million rubles (approximately $510,000) earmarked for construction activities at Patriot Park.

Investigators asserted that Shesterov, alongside the park’s former director Vyacheslav Akhmedov and ex-Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov, misappropriated more than 25 million rubles (around $319,000) between 2022 and 2024, inflicting what was termed “significant damage” to both the ministry and the park.

It has been reported that Shesterov and Akhmedov admitted to their guilt and were placed under house arrest after providing testimony against Popov, who is a prominent figure still facing multiple investigations for charges including bribery, abuse of power, fraud, and illegal possession of weapons.

The military court found Shesterov guilty of significant fraud and forgery, as stated by Russia’s Investigative Committee, which looks into serious crimes. Along with his prison sentence, he has been fined 500,000 rubles ($6,400), prohibited from holding any public office for two years, and stripped of his rank of major general as well as all state awards.

The proceedings against Akhmedov are still active, while Popov remains in pre-trial detention. Their arrests last year were part of a wider anti-corruption initiative in the Defense Ministry that commenced with the arrest of former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov in April 2024.

Ivanov received a 13-year prison sentence earlier this month.

Patriot Park, situated in Kubinka, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Moscow, serves as a military-themed park and exhibition center, showcasing interactive exhibits and a variety of weaponry and equipment. Additionally, it features live-firing ranges and a grand Orthodox cathedral dedicated to the nation’s armed forces.