Wide-ranging searches unfolded across the driver’s courses, registration, and examination departments in St. Petersburg after a wave of allegations surfaced. The information comes from the Telegram channel Mash in Moika, which has been closely monitoring police activity in the region. The scope of the operation suggested a coordinated effort by law enforcement to address suspected corruption within the driving instruction ecosystem.
Officials from the Police and Investigative Committee reportedly conducted searches at Avtoprof, Virazh, Aerodrom, and Avtoakademia Plus driving schools starting in the morning hours of February 8. Early reports indicate that individuals linked to these schools may have offered to help candidates pass exams without proper training. The alleged bribe amounts ranged from 65,000 to 160,000 rubles, and the schemes were said to involve bypassing real exam preparation at two regional Main Regional Examination Offices (MREOs).
The investigation has evolved into a criminal case, focusing on mediating in taking bribes. The suspects include driving school employees as well as employees of the MREOs, with some individuals previously employed and others currently serving in these roles. Officials noted that this illegal practice had reportedly operated for several years, indicating a deeply rooted pattern that could affect the integrity of licensing and road safety standards in the region.
Earlier in January, a separate incident was reported in which a traffic police inspector from the Saratov region faced allegations of accepting bribes from 42 students of a local driving school. The recurrence of such accusations across neighboring regions underscores a broader concern about corruption in driver education, examination processes, and enforcement practices that directly influence how new drivers are prepared and licensed. The ongoing investigations reflect authorities’ commitment to transparency and accountability in these critical public safety domains, while public confidence hinges on the thoroughness and fairness of the legal proceedings.
Cited analyses from independent observers suggest that the case may prompt reforms in how driving schools are regulated, how exam integrity is maintained, and how anti-corruption measures are monitored across regional education and law enforcement agencies. Stakeholders in the driving-education sector are watching closely to understand any lasting changes that might improve standards, reduce opportunities for illicit compensation, and strengthen the overall safety framework for new drivers in both Canada and the United States as comparable benchmarks for road safety governance.
Note: This summary aggregates information reported by investigative channels and local authorities as of the latest available updates. For verification, readers are encouraged to consult official statements from regional law enforcement agencies and examination offices and to follow further reports from trusted, verifiable sources regarding the progress of the cases and any resulting policy changes.