Russia Detains Ex-Deputy Defense Minister in Expanding Corruption Probe

Pavel Popov, accused of fraud involving a military theme park, is the latest high-ranking official arrested in a sweeping anti-graft operation.

Popov allegedly diverted building materials from Patriot Park to his own properties.
The investigation is part of a broader crackdown on corruption linked to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Several properties owned by Popov, worth over $5 million, are under scrutiny.
President Putin replaced Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov to tighten defense budget management.
The arrests reflect a significant anti-corruption push within Russia's military establishment.