Moscow (Agencies): July 8, 2025 – In another high-profile arrest targeting alleged corruption within Russia’s security apparatus, Colonel General Viktor Strigunov, former first deputy chief of the National Guard (Rosgvardiya), has been detained on suspicion of large-scale embezzlement and bribery.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed on Monday that a criminal case against Strigunov was launched following a joint investigation by the Committee, the Federal Security Service (FSB), and Rosgvardiya’s internal watchdog. The case centers on his time in the Interior Ministry prior to Rosgvardiya’s formation in 2016.
Investigators allege that in 2014, Strigunov knowingly authorized a flawed construction project for a training center in the Kemerovo Region, resulting in an estimated loss of over 2 billion rubles (approx. $25 million). The facility was never operational.
In addition, Strigunov is accused of accepting bribes exceeding 66 million rubles ($840,000) from construction firms between 2012 and 2014 in exchange for awarding government contracts.
If convicted, the general could face up to 15 years in prison along with significant financial penalties.
The arrest follows a recent wave of similar corruption-related prosecutions. Last week, former Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov was sentenced to 13 years in a penal colony, while his subordinate received a 12-year term. Analysts suggest this marks a deepening purge of Russia’s military and security leadership following last year’s major reshuffle at the Defense Ministry.