Judge Advocate General: Corruption in Army Tops All Records

12.01.2012 According to law enforcement authorities, damage inflicted by corruption crimes in Russian Armed Forces in 2011 exceeded RUR 3 bln. Throughout the year, 250 bribetakers were revealed which is far more than in 2010, reports Interfax citing Sergei Fridinsky, Judge Advocate General.

Corrupt practices in state defense order grew vigorous, said Fridinsky. The judge specified that plundering of budget was held via no-purpose use of funds, frauds in auctions and tenders, payment for non-done works, and groundless overpricing.

As an example, Fridinsky mentioned RUR 700 mln illegally appropriated by FSUE Voentelecom Electromagnetic Compatibility Analytic Center. During the search, RUR 20 mln allegedly "pocket money" were found at one of the figurant's place. The suspect explained he just doubted what to spend that money on.

Except for corruption crimes, Military Procuracy has revealed about 700 facts of income and property concealment. In particular, one of Northern Fleet Commander deputies held out that his wife possessed a foreign-made car, garage and two apartments abroad, as well as eight bank deposits. Two chiefs of military academies were caught in illegal entrepreneurial activities. Analogous crime was revealed in FSUE Rosoboronpostavka.

The judge complained that all attempts of procuracy to tighten legislation and exterminate corruption in defense area had met with stubborn opposition. Fridinsky stands for liquidation of intermediacy and stiffening of contracting norms.

Due to corruption, state defense order is either executed slowly or not executed at all, emphasized Fridinsky. As for him, however, all bargainers are satisfied because of kickbacks. "Nobody lays complaints, runs claims or gives evidence", said the judge.