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A corruption scandal centered on allegations against Russia's deputy defense minister has prompted consternation and speculation from close watchers of Russia's elite.
Russia's Investigative Committee recently announced the arrest of Timur Ivanov, a close ally of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, on suspicion of bribery.
It is known that he will remain in custody at least until June and under the charges of "taking bribes on a large scale" he may face 15 years in prison, writes yahoonews .
Several other people have been arrested in connection with the case, including businessman Alexander Fomin.
This case comes after years of work by the Anti-Corruption Foundation of the late opposition leader, Alexei Navalny.
The investigation has given rise to various speculations as Ivanov may face charges of treason.
Many observers agree that the deputy minister's legal troubles could hint at an uncertain future for his boss, Shoigu. And his conviction may show divisions among the "clans" of the Russian elite.
Shoigu's position as Minister of Defense was also in jeopardy at the end of 2022, after several successful Ukrainian counteroffensives.
Failures during that time also drew criticism from Wagner's head, Yevgeny Prigozhin. But, after his death, the revolt was short-lived and Shoigu continued to be part of the Russian army.
So far, the minister has kept quiet about the scandal, but he officially fired Ivanov a day after his arrest.
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