Russian Customs Officials Under Scrutiny in Bribery Investigation
Authorities from Russia’s Federal Customs Service have confirmed the detention of two senior ministry employees on suspicions of accepting bribes totaling 3.8 million rubles. The announcement, cited by TASS, notes that the detention is part of an ongoing investigation. In a separate update, the ministry stated that detentions have been confirmed and that investigators are continuing their work as the case unfolds.
Earlier reports indicated that two high-ranking officials within the Federal Customs Service were detained in Moscow on charges related to bribery. Among those named were Aleksandr Beglov, who serves as the deputy head of the Central Customs Administration, and Aleksandr Aleev, the head of the special customs office within the Central Consumption Customs. Reports described searches of both the detainees’ residences and workplaces as part of the process.
During these searches, authorities allegedly seized around 40 million rubles from the officers. The investigation also involved two businessmen who are alleged to have bribed the customs officials, expanding the scope of the case beyond the service itself.
On January 27, the Basmanny Court of Moscow ordered the arrest of Dmitry Vasiliev, who heads the central information and technical department of the Federal Customs Service, in a move tied to the broader bribery allegations described above. The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in a case that authorities describe as large-scale corruption within the service and its dealings with private sector actors. The proceedings continue as investigators pursue additional leads and potential connections among other officials and entities involved in the alleged scheme. The case underscores ongoing concerns about integrity and accountability within critical state agencies. Sources indicate that the investigation remains active, with prosecutors and law enforcement coordinating to establish the full extent of the alleged bribery network and to determine appropriate legal outcomes for those implicated. The public record reflects a sustained effort to address corruption and reinforce compliance standards across the customs framework. This case, reported by TASS, highlights the challenges of root-and-branch reform in a sector that directly interfaces with trade, commerce, and border control. The authorities emphasize that the process will be thorough and transparent as new details emerge from ongoing investigations.