In-Depth Look at the Stavropol Traffic Police Bribery Case
New details emerged in the criminal investigation into the former head of Stavropol Territory internal affairs and his associates as investigators confirmed the discovery of 119 new bribery episodes tied to the case. The scale of the alleged corruption points to a sustained pattern of illicit payments and favors that extended across multiple years and involved a network of individuals connected to the traffic police and related services.
According to Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Commission of Inquiry, the ongoing work has led to fresh criminal cases against the defendants. The charges center on organizing and participating in a criminal community as well as taking bribes, reflecting the seriousness of the alleged offenses and the breadth of the investigation. These developments underscore the authorities’ intent to pursue leadership-linked corruption with comprehensive accountability.
The former head of the Stavropol traffic police, identified in official reports as Alexei Safonov, along with several subordinates, was detained in the summer of 2021. The case concerns a bribery scheme described as operating on a particularly large scale, with the total amounts reportedly exceeding 19 million rubles. The disruption of this scheme signals a broader effort to restore integrity within law enforcement ranks and to deter similar misconduct moving forward.
During searches conducted as part of the inquiry, investigators uncovered striking evidence of extravagant residence decoration. The interior featured lavish materials including gold accents, and officials documented features such as a gold plated sink and a gold plated toilet bowl. Local observers quickly dubbed the former official a traffic officer with a gold toilet, highlighting the perceived ostentation that accompanied the alleged criminal activity. Experts note that such displays of wealth often accompany corruption cases, serving as a tangible reminder of the potential disconnect between law enforcement leadership and public trust.
In parallel with the main bribery investigation, a separate public service initiative attracted attention. The initiative, titled Behind the Wheel and organized with the Popular Front, aims to raise funds for tires in support of public safety operations. The campaign intends to provide tires for vehicles used by the People’s Police and operational services in the LPR and DPR, ensuring reliable transport for ambulances, emergency responders, humanitarian aid convoys, and military equipment. Donors can participate through the campaign’s collection page, with the goal of sustaining essential mobility for protective and humanitarian missions. This effort reflects a broader trend of crowd funded community support to supplement official resources during times of strain and conflict. The initiative is covered by national news outlets, including reports from RIA Novosti, with photography credited to Elena Berezina of TASS.