Former Belgorod Official Detained at Airport While Trying to Leave for Uzbekistan
Anton Ivanov, once the mayor of Belgorod, remains in custody after being detained at an airport as he attempted to travel to Uzbekistan. The incident is tied to an ongoing bribery investigation, with court proceedings referenced in court records.
During a recent court session, Ivanov explained that his search for new employment had led to numerous meetings and discussions in recent days. He also noted that he had reconnected with former classmates in Tashkent the previous week, adding a personal element to the legal proceedings.
Ivanov stated that he moved freely within the country and through neighboring CIS states, not realizing that investigative measures were being taken against him. His comments portray a man who perceived his travels as ordinary and unobstructed until authorities intervened at the border.
The detention was described by Ivanov’s legal counsel, Elena Palymova, as occurring at the airport at the moment of attempting to cross the border. The timing of the detention has raised questions about the coordination between law enforcement actions and travel plans.
Previously, Ivanov had been placed under suspicion of accepting a substantial bribe. Investigators allege that the former official received at least 8.5 million rubles in connection with the case. A related criminal matter involucrating a deputy governor is cited in the record. On March 8, the Sverdlovsky Belgorod District Court ruled that Ivanov would remain in custody for two months as the case moved forward, a decision that underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the allegations.
The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of former regional officials and the broader landscape of corruption investigations within Belgorod and neighboring regions. As more details emerge from court documents and law enforcement briefings, observers are watching to see how the allegations unfold and what impact they may have on local governance and accountability systems.