According to Interfax news agency, Russian police announced on December 22nd the arrest of Oleg Frolov, Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), on charges of embezzling 435 million rubles (US$4.7 million) in equipment procurement.
 |
| Russia arrests deputy director of the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, Ukraine arrests high-ranking defense official. (Source: aerotime.aero) |
According to a statement from the Russian Federal Investigative Committee, Frolov and two other suspects have been charged with "large-scale fraud."
According to the same announcement, Frolov used his position to participate in a criminal conspiracy with two accomplices to embezzle at least 435 million rubles of public funds.
Roscosmos is considered a source of national pride for the Russian people as it advances the country's space programs.
This agency has previously assisted other space agencies, including the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in sending astronauts to space stations. Over the years, Roscosmos has been criticized for its financial difficulties and a series of corruption scandals, as well as technical malfunctions such as the Luna-25 probe losing control and crashing into the Moon in August.
However, Russia is still planning to build its own space station to gradually replace the International Space Station (ISS) and revive its lunar program.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Ukrainian police also announced the arrest of a high-ranking defense official suspected of embezzling millions of dollars intended for the military's artillery purchases.
Following a search of the official's residence, investigators uncovered relevant evidence. Ukrainian authorities have not yet released the identity or details of the recently arrested defense official.
Ukraine has faced a series of corruption scandals in recent months, including several involving the Ministry of Defense . Authorities are investigating the overpriced purchase of food and military equipment, as well as the supply of substandard bulletproof vests.
Source
![[Photo] Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds a phone call with the CEO of Russia's Rosatom Corporation.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvphoto.vietnam.vn%2Fthumb%2F1200x675%2Fvietnam%2Fresource%2FIMAGE%2F2025%2F12%2F11%2F1765464552365_dsc-5295-jpg.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Comment (0)