The head of the industry and energy department for Krasnoyarsk region Denis Pashkov has been charged with embezzling more than 29 million rubles ($1 million) from the regional budget, the Investigative Committee said in a statement Monday.
Over a period from 2008 to 2010, Pashkov acted together with transport-equipment manufacturer Sibtyazhmash former general director Pavel Lusnikov in a scheme to receive 29 million rubles in state subsidies for the company. The pair apparently deceived the regional investment council into granting Sibtyazhmash the requested funds, then stole them, investigators said.
Lusnikov was found dead in a hot tub in July, apparently having died from alcohol poisoning, local investigators told Rossia television at the time. Days before his death, a criminal case had been opened against Lusnikov, who had been accused of non-payment of 26 million rubles in taxes.
Sibtyzhmash was declared bankrupt in May.
Pashkov has worked in the Krasnoyarsk administration since 2003 and in his current position as head of the industry and energy department in the region since 2010. Investigators said his temporary suspension from the job would be sought in connection with the charges.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.