A Moscow court has frozen bank accounts, properties and other assets of arrested Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Timur Ivanov, and his family in a bribe probe, TASS reported on Thursday.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the court’s decision applies to all registered assets belonging to Ivanov, his wife, former wives, and five children including adopted ones.

The measure serves as a precaution in case the high-ranking officer is subsequently found guilty.

Analysis: Western leaders can only envy Putin’s popularity, domestic support

This legal action follows recent reports of Ivanov’s arrest on suspicion of accepting a particularly large bribe.

Ivanov took his post in May 2016, in charge of organising property management, troop billeting, housing, and medical support for the armed forces.

He was overseeing procurement under the state defence order.

Ivanov, who held the position of Deputy Defence Minister since 2016, faces serious charges under the statute for accepting bribes “on a particularly large scale,” which could lead to a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail if convicted.

His sudden apprehension has ignited speculation about potential power struggles within Russia’s elite circles, given Ivanov’s close association with Shoigu, who was entrusted by President Vladimir Putin with overseeing military operations in Ukraine.

The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin had been briefed on Ivanov’s detention and noted that Defence Minister Shoigu was also informed. This revelation comes amidst Ivanov’s attendance earlier on Tuesday at a high-level meeting chaired by Shoigu, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding events.

At 48 years old, Ivanov held significant responsibilities within the defence ministry, overseeing property management, housing, construction, and mortgages. The ministry, however, has refrained from issuing any official statements regarding Ivanov’s detention.

According to reports from Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, Ivanov was apprehended by the Federal Security Service (FSB), Putin’s designated agency to combat corruption in state defence procurement. While there’s no official confirmation, Izvestia newspaper suggests that additional individuals may have been detained in connection with the case, with Ivanov’s properties reportedly under investigation.

The comprehensive coverage of Ivanov’s case by state television underscores the gravity of the situation, suggesting a concerted effort to signal a no-tolerance stance towards corruption within the armed forces.

(Xinhua/NAN/Channels)