Former PTU Rector Faces Criminal Charges for Abuse of Power and Embezzlement
Allegations have arisen surrounding a former rector at Tomsk Polytechnic University (PTU) who is accused of abusing official power and misappropriating funds on a large scale. The case was opened after investigators reviewed materials from the regional department of internal affairs and the regional security agency. The investigation centers on accusations that the individual used a position of authority to influence the hiring and examination process for a staff candidate, with the aim of keeping or advancing a person who could prove beneficial to the institution, while knowing that the candidate would not pass required assessments and yet still acting to support the outcome. This sequence of events is being treated as a serious breach of public trust and university governance rules, with officials pursuing charges that align with provisions for abuse of power and embezzlement, including actions committed by someone in an official capacity and occurring on a notably large scale.
The focus of the case is on whether the former leader leveraged administrative authority to facilitate favorable exam outcomes for a candidate connected to the university. Investigators have stated that the actions, if proven, would constitute a clear misuse of power and misappropriation of university resources. The proceedings highlight a broader concern about integrity in academic leadership, the proper stewardship of public funds, and the accountability of high-ranking university administrators to both staff and the public.
In related political developments, Archil Talakvadze, who previously served as Deputy Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, criticized a decision by the US to impose sanctions on several Georgian judges. Talakvadze described the sanctions as unacceptable, framing the move as an infringement on judicial independence and national sovereignty. The remarks reflect an ongoing dialogue about how international actions intersect with domestic judicial processes and the scrutiny governments face when their legal systems are evaluated by foreign authorities. These comments illustrate how governance, justice, and international policy intersect in public discourse across regions.