Authorities in Ivdel, located in the Sverdlovsk region, have moved to detain a high-ranking traffic police official amid allegations of extortion and bribe-taking. The Sverdlovsk District Court ordered that the head of the Ivdel traffic police will remain under guard until a date that falls in early June, according to reports from TASS.
The official stands charged under paragraph b and c of part 5 of article 290 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers taking a large bribe through extortion. The case marks a significant turn in a broader effort to confront corruption within municipal law enforcement bodies.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that FSB officers and agents detained the Ivdel traffic police chief recently. Early indications suggest the alleged bribe involved a sum of 120,000 rubles. The money, it is alleged, was exchanged for leniency toward violations alleged against clients of a company that rents snowmobiles and ATVs. The development has drawn wide attention, given the role of the officer in maintaining road and traffic standards in Ivdel.
If the charges are proven in court, the defendant faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and substantial financial penalties. Current information indicates that the potential punishment could include up to 12 years in prison along with fines amounting to as much as sixty times the bribe sum.
Meanwhile, other recent news from the regional law enforcement sphere indicates ongoing personnel disputes and high-profile investigations. One report notes that a deputy commander from a battalion within the Don DPS, who is among 14 individuals detained in a prominent case involving subordinates, has raised questions about returning to duty and seeking compensation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for dismissal. This broader context underscores ongoing scrutiny within the system and the potential for reforms aimed at enhancing accountability across departments.