The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the discovery of an embezzlement scheme worth over 8 billion rubles (approximately 88 million euros) during the construction of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Center in Sochi. The information was confirmed by the spokesperson of the institution, Irina Volk. The complex is also known as the Alina Kabaeva Gymnastics Center.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 13 people are charged in this case, including former top managers of Gazprom and its subsidiary structures. Among the suspects are the former member of Gazprom’s board of directors and the head of Department No. 105, Elena Mikhailova, as well as the former deputy general director of Gazprom Mezhregiongaz, Anatoly Erkulov. They have already left their positions within the companies.
The investigation claims that, between 2016 and May 2019, the participants in the scheme would have only created the appearance of work execution and would have diverted the funds allocated by Gazprom Investgazifikatsia for the construction of the complex.
The alleged organizer of the scheme has been arrested, but his name has not been made public. Several suspects in the case have been put on international wanted lists.
In September 2020, a video appeared on YouTube in which three employees of a company contracted for work at the complex claimed that they had not received their salaries for several months and intended to address directly the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
Details, HERE