The head of the Russian military’s Patriot Park and a senior defense ministry official have been arrested for allegedly embezzling public funds, according to law enforcement authorities. This marks the latest development in a growing military purge that has been underway since earlier this year.
Investigators claim that Vyacheslav Akhmedov, the director of Patriot Park, and Major General Vladimir Shesterov were involved in the misappropriation of public funds allocated for the park’s operations and exhibition center.
Patriot Park, located about 63 kilometers (39 miles) west of Moscow in Kubinka, is a military theme park featuring interactive exhibits, weapon displays, and live-firing ranges. The park also includes a grand Orthodox cathedral dedicated to the armed forces.
Earlier in July, police questioned Akhmedov and conducted searches at the park as part of an investigation into the alleged theft of over 40 million rubles (approximately $471,000) in state contracts. The exact connection of Shesterov to the theme park remains unclear.
Both men could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of fraud. According to state-run news agency RIA Novosti, which cited anonymous sources, several other employees of Patriot Park have also been detained, though it’s uncertain if they will face charges.
The situation follows the arrest of former Deputy Minister Timur Ivanov in April, who oversaw the park’s construction and is accused of accepting 1 billion rubles (around $12.2 million) in bribes. Ivanov is considered a close ally of Sergei Shoigu, the former defense minister who was ousted from his position in May.