Russian military probes $1 mn Space Forces fraud

Big News Network (IANS)
Monday 25th March, 2013

Russian military prosecutors are investigating a suspected embezzlement of over 30 million rubles (about $1 million) at the Space Defence Forces (SDF), authorities said Monday.

According to Chief Military Prosecutor’s Office, 18 months ago, sub-standard equipment that showed signs of repair and included components manufactured over 20 years ago was presented as new and delivered to an SDF unit under a state contract, the office said.

A criminal case has been opened on fraud charges.

The revelation is the latest in a recent string of scandals at the defence ministry involving suspected fraud.

Several people employed by the Oboronservis defence property services company were arrested late last year on suspicion of fraud totalling over 13 billion rubles ($430 million) involving the illegal sale of ministry property.

The then defence minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, resigned over that scandal last November.

–IANS/RIA Novosti

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