The Investigation Ties a High-Rlying Defense Official to Large-Scale Bribery Allegations
The investigation indicates that Yuri Kuznetsov, who heads the personnel department of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense, had personal knowledge of Levon (Leva) Martirosyan, who was detained on suspicion of especially large-scale bribery. The disclosure comes from TASS, citing the press service of the Moscow Basmanny Court.
According to the case materials, Kuznetsov personally knew Martirosyan through his official duties. It is alleged that Kuznetsov harbored criminal intent aimed at accepting bribes on a large scale and sought to facilitate actions within his power, given the significance and authority of his post. The court described this connection as a direct involvement that could influence outcomes in Martirosyan’s favor.
The inquiry also asserts that Kuznetsov provided protective patronage to subordinates who acted in Martirosyan’s interests. This behavior, if proven, could indicate a pattern of abuses of influence within senior military administration structures.
Earlier in the proceedings, the Basmanny Court placed Lev Martirosyan in pre-trial detention while he faces charges connected to bribing a former chief of the Eighth General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, a case associated with Kuznetsov’s leadership period.
According to investigators, Kuznetsov is suspected of accepting bribes, including on a large scale. The materials claim that he allegedly accepted payments from commercial entities in exchange for promises of assistance and favored treatment within official channels. These allegations accompany the broader examination of acts connected to the General Staff’s leadership during the 2021–2023 period.
Readers seeking further context on this developing situation may find additional background in ongoing reporting.
In related notes, reports indicate that Kuznetsov’s wife and daughter faced health challenges during the period surrounding the inquiries. The details underscore the personal impact that high-profile investigations can have on the families of public officials.