On July 4, the Moscow City Court will review the legality of the verdicts handed down to two prominent figures tied to a high-profile bribery case. The former governor of the Penza region, Ivan Belozertsev, received a 12-year prison sentence, and the Biotek group founder, Boris Shpigel, faces a separate review of his sentence. The update was reported by DEA News and confirms that both men will appear before the court on the scheduled Thursday morning proceeding, with the session set for 11:30 local time.
The case, which has attracted considerable public and media attention, centers on allegations of bribery connected to the Penza region administration. Earlier court decisions linked Belozertsev to illicit payments, including cash and valuables, that were purportedly transferred to him over a defined period. The January 2024 ruling against Shpigel, who leads the Biotek pharmaceutical group, sentenced him to 11 years in prison on bribery charges related to actions involving Belozertsev. The two defendants have been at the core of a long-running investigation and legal process that has unfolded over several years.
Background details show that the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation concluded its inquiry into the case in October 2022. Investigators established that, between June 3, 2019, and September 29, 2020, the former Penza regional head allegedly accepted payments and other benefits from a private entrepreneur. Reported elements of the case included cash inducements and Swiss watches, which investigators characterized as bribes tied to decisions and favours benefiting the private interests linked to the Biotek group. The findings contributed to the broader narrative of corruption scrutiny surrounding regional leadership and influential business figures connected to the case.
During the ongoing legal timeline, Belozertsev and Shpigel have faced a series of procedural developments, including earlier appearances in Moscow on related charges. The legal process has involved court proceedings, investigations, and formal statements that together shape the trajectory of the case. The latest scheduled hearing reflects the continuing judicial review as authorities assess the legality of the prior verdicts and potential implications for all parties involved in the matter.