Assets tied to Timur Ivanov, the former deputy chairman of the Russian Defense Ministry facing bribery allegations, were seized after registration papers confirmed ownership or control. The move reflects the authorities ongoing focus on asset recovery in cases of suspected high level corruption within defense construction projects. The action signals a broader effort to trace funds and property linked to alleged illicit payments surrounding state contracts and related oversight functions.
The seized fleet included a rare classic from the late 1960s, a Cadillac linked to the case, and a Mercedes-Benz G63. These vehicles were registered to Ivanov’s driver, a close associate who acted on his behalf. The combination of a vintage model and a modern high end SUV underscores the scale of assets involved and the careful scrutiny applied to how property is held and transferred for officials in senior positions.
In August a court ordered the detention of a Porsche Cayenne owned by Alexander Fomin, the co founder of OlimCityStroy, who is a defendant in the Ivanov bribery case. The decision to arrest this asset signals the expansion of the proceedings into other firms tied to the same alleged scheme. Prosecutors indicate the Porsche Cayenne forms part of a network used to channel payments and facilitate contracts with defense ministry construction programs.
In May, authorities detained two luxury vehicles, a Mercedes-Benz V-Class and a Chevrolet Suburban, along with an MV Agusta sport motorcycle linked to Ivanov. The motorcycle remained registered to his father as of 2022, reflecting how ownership structures sometimes route assets through family ties. The detections illustrate the broad scope of the asset search and the ongoing process of tracing financial trails connected to the case.
Ivanov was detained on April 23. In his role as deputy head of the defense ministry under Sergei Shoigu, he oversaw operations of the military construction complex. Investigators allege he participated in a broad bribery scheme and provided contractual services that favored certain firms and contractors. The allegations describe extensive involvement in payments tied to project awards and subcontracting within the ministry.
Investigators say the total amount of the alleged bribes reached about 1.185 billion rubles. On April 24 a court detained Ivanov and froze his accounts, expanding the scope of asset control in the case. Additional details continue to surface as media coverage tracks the evolving proceedings.
Earlier reporting suggested potential charges for forming an organized criminal group in the Ivanov case. The evolving narrative reflects a broader crackdown on corruption at high levels and points to likely further court actions and asset reviews in the months ahead.