Support The Moscow Times!

Former Russian Minister Arrested, Accused of Embezzling $62 Million

Mikhail Abyzov Marat Abulkhatin / TASS

Former Russian minister Mikhail Abyzov was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of embezzling $62 million, Russia’s Investigative Committee said in a press release.

In May 2012, Abyzov was appointed as Minister for Open Government Affairs in former President Dmitry Medvedev's cabinet, a post he held for six years. He is suspected of creating and running a criminal enterprise which embezzled and funneled 4 billion rubles ($62 million) abroad.

The Investigative Committee says that Abyzov founded and ran a criminal organization from April 2011 to November 2014. Abyzov is suspected of working with five other individuals to embezzle money from the Novosibirsk-based Siberian Energy Company and Regional Electric Grid.

“Abyzov and the above-mentioned individuals have put at risk the sustainable economic development and energy security of several regions of the country,” the investigators said.

According to the press release, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) was also involved in Abyzov’s arrest.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more