Arrest of a Former Bashkir Traffic Police Leader Amid Allegations of Bribery and Organized Crime
Authorities in Bashkiria have detained a prominent former official linked to the regional traffic police, once referred to by media as the “golden traffic police.” The arrest marks a culmination of a long pursuit by investigators who say the suspect evaded justice for more than a year before being taken into custody. Reports from local outlets have highlighted the shift from mere allegations to concrete action by law enforcement in the region.
Earlier investigations targeted a number of officers within the Ufa traffic police who faced accusations of forming and participating in a criminal network. A criminal case was opened against seven officers who were stationed in Bashkiria, with suspicions pointing to a conspiracy to facilitate unlawful activities in traffic control settings. Among those alleged to have played a central role in the enterprise was Ildus Shaibakov, identified as the former head of the Bashkir MREO traffic police, who was singled out as a key organizer of the alleged scheme.
Prosecutors and investigators contend that the events stretch back to 2016, when Shaibakov is said to have established a criminal group tasked with accepting bribes in exchange for issuing driving certificates without the standard examinations. Amounts are reported to have varied depending on the type of certification, with figures ranging from a modest sum to tens of thousands of rubles per certificate. During searches conducted as part of the investigation, authorities reportedly recovered cash and other assets valued at several tens of millions of rubles, signaling a substantial financial footprint for the alleged operation.
In connection with these developments, local authorities have continued to assess the scope of the allegations and the potential impact on the functioning of traffic enforcement in the region. The case underscores ongoing concerns about corruption within law enforcement agencies and the steps authorities are taking to address such issues. Investigators have indicated that the materials gathered during the inquiry will be used to build a comprehensive case that clarifies the roles of all individuals implicated in the alleged scheme.
Separately, regional police and related services have reported other incidents that illustrate the broader challenges faced in traffic control operations. In Naberezhnye Chelny, an ATV operator was involved in an incident described as a pogrom in the village of Chally Yar, an event that drew attention to the pressures faced by officers tasked with maintaining order and safety on public roads. This incident, while distinct from the bribery case, adds to the broader narrative about traffic enforcement and public safety in the region.
The ongoing investigation continues to unfold with efforts focused on verifying claims, tracing financial flows, and identifying all parties who may have benefited from any illicit arrangements. Authorities emphasize that the goal is to restore trust in traffic law enforcement and ensure that violators of the law are held accountable, regardless of their former ranks or positions. As the case progresses, updates are expected to shed more light on the network’s structure, the distribution of roles, and the precise mechanisms that allowed illegal payments to influence the issuance of driving credentials.