Moscow Meshchansky Court declined to hold a closed session to consider the arrest of Vladimir Pavlov, the chairman of Voentorg, in connection with an embezzlement case. This development was reported by DEA News.
The investigator had asked for the courtroom to be sealed to protect the safety of participants and witnesses, arguing that unidentified accomplices were pressuring witnesses.
Judge Elena Karakeshishcheva refused the request, noting that the court had not received evidence of witness pressure as of that moment.
Prior to this decision, authorities detained the head of Voentorg for allegedly siphoning budget funds during the execution of government contracts. The Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs opened a criminal case and sought Pavlov’s arrest. Investigators contend that Pavlov and officers of Voentorg JSC sold what were described as amily of Army toiletries to the Ministry of Defense for 625 million rubles, with the cost of goods inflated by more than 400 million rubles.
The matter involved a previously cited figure concerning a request from the Ministry of Defense to the Military Construction Company for 2024, which has been referenced in the context of this case.
In ongoing proceedings, prosecutors indicated that the allegations center on misappropriation of state funds tied to contracts in the defense sector. The case has drawn attention to procurement practices within state-owned or state-linked enterprises and the procedures used to verify bids, verify suppliers, and ensure budgetary integrity. Observers note that the court process, including whether to hold the hearing publicly or in camera, can affect public confidence and the transparency of the legal steps involved. The situation remains under review as investigators continue collecting evidence and assessing the roles of Pavlov and Voentorg employees in the alleged scheme [DEA News].