In a developing case reported by TASS, former Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov is slated for investigative scrutiny regarding alleged involvement in a fraud scheme connected to the siphoning of 400 million rubles from government contracts awarded to the Voentorg state-owned trading company. Law enforcement officials are described as moving forward with inquiries to determine Bulgakov’s potential role in the misconduct tied to these orders.
The inquiries focus on Bulgakov’s responsibility for logistics within the Russian Armed Forces at the time the alleged thefts occurred, raising questions about whether he had knowledge of or participation in the fraudulent activity. Investigators are examining records and communications to assess any direct or indirect influence Bulgakov may have exerted over the procurement process and the execution of contracts tied to military supply lines.
Additional details from the agency’s interlocutors indicate that contracts for supplying dry rations to Russian troops originated from the Gryazinsky Food Factory and were executed with Voentorg. It is alleged that Bulgakov lobbied on behalf of the Gryazinsky factory, potentially creating a pathway for the supply of substandard products at inflated prices. The unfolding review is looking into how these contracting arrangements may have affected the quality and pricing of essential provisions for service members, and whether conflicts of interest contributed to improper advantages in the procurement system.
In a parallel development from July 25, the Moscow Tverskoy Court ordered the arrest of Andrei Belkov, identified as the General Director of a Military Construction Company, on charges related to the abuse of official authority in the execution of state defense orders. The case highlights ongoing legal actions associated with defense program management and contract oversight, underscoring the stringent scrutiny applied to procurement practices tied to national security obligations.
Questions arising from these proceedings include the scope of the Ministry of Defense’s involvement in 2024 project requests, as well as how procurement processes were structured within the Military Construction Company portfolio. Investigators are pursuing a comprehensive review of contract flows, bidding procedures, and the enforcement of governance standards designed to prevent fraud and ensure that military supply chains operate with transparency and accountability. The evolving narrative reflects a broader effort to clean up procurement practices and reinforce integrity across agencies responsible for defense logistics. (Source: TASS)