The number of Russian officials convicted on corruption charges sank to an eight-year low during 2020, data collated by the independent Open Media news site has shown.
Some 6,948 convictions were handed out for corruption last year — the lowest level since 2012, the site found. It marks a continued decline from a high of 11,499 convictions in 2015.
However, the number of convictions related to large-scale bribes — in excess of one million rubles ($13,000) — has surged 12-fold since 2012, hitting almost 1,000 last year.
Under one in six of those convicted served jail time, Open Media said. One in three were handed a suspended sentence and half were issued fines, totalling a combined 1.7 billion rubles ($22 million).
President Vladimir Putin has rolled out various anti-corruption measures during his two decades in office, yet corruption has remained a major issue.
The share of Russians who say corruption and bribery are an “acute problem” has grown under his presidency and is hovering near record high levels, polling from the independent Levada Center shows. Russians rank it as the country’s third most serious problem — ahead of issues including unemployment, inequality and poor healthcare.
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny has built his following on challenging the alleged corruption of Russia’s top officials, showcasing their luxury lifestyles in video investigations which rack up tens of millions of views.
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.
