Roscosmos deputy director nabbed for $4.5M fraud amid Russia's internal corruption crisis
Vladimir Putin's army is facing heavy obstacles in Ukraine, an issue largely attributed to internal corruption and degradation by its own officers. Even those serving the nation outside the army seem to harbor similar traits. A recent instance is the scandal at Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, where the deputy director was arrested.
11:07 AM EST, December 25, 2023
General Oleg Frolov, holding the second-highest position in the institution, is suspected of embezzling as much as 435 million rubles (around $4.5 million), funds allocated for the agency's equipment purchase and research projects. The General was overseeing the construction phase of the Kremlin's critical program: the intercontinental ballistic missile Satan-2 (RS-28 Sarmat).
Roscosmos maintains close collaboration with the Russian army and is actively involved in its most significant research projects.
General Oleg Frolov might be required to switch careers as he potentially faces a lengthy prison term or may even be dispatched to the front line in Ukraine. A number of convicts attempt to absolve themselves by seeking amnesty through war service. However, they first have to endure the horrendous conditions at the front line.
The officer, along with two entrepreneurs, was apprehended by the authorities on allegations of state funds embezzlement. The Russian Investigative Committee is handling the case, which currently holds high-profile status in Moscow. "All three are being charged with large-scale fraud," reports the Interfax agency.
The investigation reveals that Frolov exploited his position to arrange meetings with his two associates. He authorized and signed off on fictitious purchases that never occurred. Consequently, they were able to loot a minimum of 435 million rubles from public funds intended for equipment purchases.
It was not specified which program or equipment is involved. However, ample online speculation suggests it could concern military purchases, given that Oleg Frolov was entrusted with this responsibility at Roscosmos.
Frolov oversaw the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile Satan-2 (RS-28 Sarmat), a nuclear weapon created to be part of Russia's most significant strategic weaponry. The program witnessed numerous extensions, and the trials didn't yield successful results. Allegedly the rockets have been commissioned, though no further details have been released.
Could Frolov's arrest be in retaliation for the failure of the RS-28 Sarmat missile? Such speculation exists, especially considering the prestigious weapon's launch was personally backed by Vladimir Putin years ago. The most potent nuclear weapon in the Russian stockpile remains a mystery to Western countries, with Moscow merely threatening to deploy these missiles.
