Putin fires his defense minister over scandal
Source: Agencies |
November 7, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin fired the country's defense minister yesterday, two weeks after a criminal probe was opened into alleged fraud in the sell-off of military assets.
Putin made the announcement of Anatoly Serdyukov's dismissal in a meeting with Moscow regional governor, Sergei Shoigu, whom he appointed as the new defense minister.
The country's top investigative agency last month announced a probe into the sale of assets, including real estate, at prices far below market value. According to the Investigative Committee, the state suffered damages of 3 billion rubles (US$95 million).
Putin said he made the decision to create terms for the objective investigation of all questions involving the ministry.
The case announced last month involves Oboronservice, a state-controlled company whose activities include servicing military aircraft and arms and constructing military facilities. Investigators have searched Oboronservice's offices and the apartment of a senior company official who formerly headed the Defense Ministry's property department.
Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told the Interfax news agency yesterday that Serdyukov would be questioned in the probe "if there is a basis" for doing so.
Serdyukov was a furniture store executive and head of the Russian tax service before being appointed defense minister in 2007.
Shoigu is a former general and head of the Emergencies Ministry, a background that appeared likely to win him initial respect in the Defense Military.
Putin made the announcement of Anatoly Serdyukov's dismissal in a meeting with Moscow regional governor, Sergei Shoigu, whom he appointed as the new defense minister.
The country's top investigative agency last month announced a probe into the sale of assets, including real estate, at prices far below market value. According to the Investigative Committee, the state suffered damages of 3 billion rubles (US$95 million).
Putin said he made the decision to create terms for the objective investigation of all questions involving the ministry.
The case announced last month involves Oboronservice, a state-controlled company whose activities include servicing military aircraft and arms and constructing military facilities. Investigators have searched Oboronservice's offices and the apartment of a senior company official who formerly headed the Defense Ministry's property department.
Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin told the Interfax news agency yesterday that Serdyukov would be questioned in the probe "if there is a basis" for doing so.
Serdyukov was a furniture store executive and head of the Russian tax service before being appointed defense minister in 2007.
Shoigu is a former general and head of the Emergencies Ministry, a background that appeared likely to win him initial respect in the Defense Military.
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