Pavel Mosolov, who previously held a senior role focused on protecting cultural heritage within the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, has received a prison term tied to a large embezzlement case. He was sentenced to two years in prison for diverting more than 20 million rubles from the state budget, a development reported by TASS. This conviction signals a clear step in the ongoing effort to hold officials accountable for financial misconduct that drains public funds meant to safeguard national cultural heritage. — TASS
The case also named Vladimir Tsvetnov, who formerly led the Center for the Protection of Cultural Heritage at the same ministry. He was given a four-year prison sentence as part of the proceedings. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the responsibility borne by a leader within the Ministry of Culture when it comes to protecting the nation’s heritage resources. — TASS
According to the judgment, Mosolov was found guilty under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which covers fraud. His penalty includes two years in a penal colony and a monetary fine of 700,000 rubles. Tsvetnov received four years in a general-regime penal colony along with a 1,000,000 ruble fine. The presiding judge from the Moscow Meshchansky Court noted that the sentence is considered executed, a determination that may influence future eligibility for certain rights and privileges under Russian law. — TASS
Beyond the prison terms, the court also deprived both men of the right to hold public office for three years after completing their sentences. This part of the ruling emphasizes a strict stance on preventing individuals who violated public trust from serving in government roles again for a defined period. — TASS
The February 2020 timeline cited in the case shows that Mosolov admitted charges related to the alleged embezzlement of more than 20 million rubles from the budget. The legal process surrounding this matter demonstrates how authorities pursue accountability in cases where cultural heritage funds are at stake, including the mechanisms for prosecuting and punishing officials for financial misconduct. — TASS