This is just a kind of tidbit - a nugget of joy - along with some wild speculation. For what it's worth.
There has been a story developing about corruption among Russia's Defense Ministry's property department. That has led to what appears to be a full investigation with documents and other items being seized today in Moscow.
From the article in RIA:
More details about the latest seizure and ongoing investigation can be found here.
Speculations
Now for the wild speculation. It does not seem that any large and visible investigation such as this one is every done without the knowledge/approval of the Kremlin. This investigation, and its timing, may indicate the model of having civilians as a part of the ministry of defense, and part of the defense and security structures within Russia, is under attack. Many in the military have been unhappy with the civilian head of the Defense Ministry. A good bio can be found at Wikipedia.
This may be more "Clan" maneuvering among Russia's elites, especially given the fact that Ivanov's held the position of Defense Minister prior to moving over to be head of the the Presidential administration in 2007. If Kremlin watching is back in vogue, this makes for compelling television.
There has been a story developing about corruption among Russia's Defense Ministry's property department. That has led to what appears to be a full investigation with documents and other items being seized today in Moscow.
From the article in RIA:
Oboronservis was set up in 2008 and carries out repair and services for Defense Ministry properties as well as repair and maintenance of military equipment and provision of services to military garrison towns.
A law enforcement source told RIA Novosti that no detentions are planned in the near future as part of the ongoing investigation.
Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov was informed of the investigation and arrived at one of the locations being searched, law enforcement sources said on Thursday morning.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin met with Serdyukov and instructed him to ensure interaction with investigators on the Oboroneservis case.
Presidential administration head Sergei Ivanov said it will be up to the court to rule who is guilty.
“Only the court may determine whether a person is guilty or not. All the rest is vibrating air and propaganda,” Ivanov told journalists.
More details about the latest seizure and ongoing investigation can be found here.
Speculations
Now for the wild speculation. It does not seem that any large and visible investigation such as this one is every done without the knowledge/approval of the Kremlin. This investigation, and its timing, may indicate the model of having civilians as a part of the ministry of defense, and part of the defense and security structures within Russia, is under attack. Many in the military have been unhappy with the civilian head of the Defense Ministry. A good bio can be found at Wikipedia.
This may be more "Clan" maneuvering among Russia's elites, especially given the fact that Ivanov's held the position of Defense Minister prior to moving over to be head of the the Presidential administration in 2007. If Kremlin watching is back in vogue, this makes for compelling television.
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