In the Irkutsk region, the former head of the regional Ministry of Health, Yakov Sandakov, is facing trial. The information comes from the press office of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the Irkutsk region.
The chamber noted that a third criminal case has been opened against the official under clause b of part 4 of article 174.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The charge concerns the legalization and laundering on a particularly large scale of funds obtained through criminal activity.
Investigators allege that Sandakov engaged in a chain of financial moves involving securities on the MICEX trading floor as part of an effort to legitimize eight million rubles received as bribes in the spring of 2022. The scheme supposedly culminated in the purchase of an apartment in Moscow using proceeds from the sale of those securities.
Sandakov was detained in January 2023 after self-incriminating statements were made regarding fraud.
Separately, reports indicate that Vadim Kosyanov, the former rector of the Russian State Geological Mining University named after Sergo Ordzhonikidze, is under suspicion of misappropriating library books. The new information highlights ongoing investigations into corruption-related offenses involving individuals in high-ranking academic and governmental roles.
These developments illustrate a broader pattern of criminal cases connected to public officials and university leadership in Russia, where prosecutors pursue complex financial schemes linked to bribes and unauthorized asset acquisitions. The authorities emphasize the significance of rigorous oversight and the continued need for transparency in public service and higher education management. [Citation: Press office, Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Irkutsk region; official updates and briefings]