Russia's Investigative Committee said on September 18 that it detained a top official of the Central Military District, Major General Denis Putilov, on a charge of taking a large bribe. Putilov, 45, is suspected of accepting a 140 million ruble (more than $1.5 million) bribe from a private company in exchange for contracts on repair works for military equipment. If convicted, Putilov may face up to 15 years in prison. Several top military and Defense Ministry officials have been arrested on corruption charges since President Vladimir Putin replaced Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in May with former First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Another Top Russian Military Official Held On Corruption Charges
Russia's Investigative Committee said the military officer is suspected of taking a bribe worth more than $1.5 million. (file photo)