Authorities from the Ministry of Internal Affairs pursued the arrest in absentia of Fyodor Shcherbakov, the former general director of Lenfilm, a move that drew attention from national agencies. The discussion around the case has centered on a broader pattern of alleged coercive schemes tied to high-level executives, including a prominent figure associated with Rostec. The developing story indicates that investigators sought to place Shcherbakov and Dmitry Zhmutsky under an arrest in absentia, a procedural step outlined under part 3 article 163, paragraph b, which covers extortion conducted with the aim of gaining property, notably when the stakes are significant. The Moscow Tverskoy Court confirmed the charges and the requested legal measure during recent proceedings.
Earlier reports indicated that Shcherbakov had been involved as a witness in the ongoing matter. There were also indications that he had been placed on a wanted list, signaling heightened scrutiny by law enforcement authorities. This sequence of events aligns with a wider investigation that also touches on executives linked to Rostec, a major state corporation, highlighting concerns about improper leverage and financial motivations within high-ranking business circles.
In another notable development, Kirill Sukhanov, a commercial director connected with Ksenia Sobchak, received a prison sentence of seven and a half years in a separate but related extortion case involving the Rostec leadership, including Sergei Chemezov. The penalties in that matter underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating alleged coercive acts by persons occupying influential positions in the corporate landscape.
As the legal process unfolded, March brought a decision from Moscow’s Tverskoy Court to extend the detention of Anton Safonov, who serves in a public relations capacity and is accused of pressuring a senior Rostec official to extract two million rubles. The extended detention signals ongoing judicial review and the potential for further charges or revelations tied to the wider extortion investigation.
Background context for observers includes statements from those previously involved in the case, including Sobchak, who provided reasons for not appearing in court in relation to the extortion allegations connected to Rostec’s leadership. The evolving narrative demonstrates how authorities are pursuing accountability across different players and levels, from film studio executives to corporate managers, as they assemble evidence and pursue legal remedies in high-profile matters. These developments illustrate the breadth of the inquiry and the persistent focus on ensuring that actions taken by top executives align with the law and public trust. (Source attribution: official court releases and ongoing media reporting surrounding the case)