Another Russian defense firm faces embezzlement chargesMarch 4, 2013 - 12:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian police have initiated a criminal case against the head of a defense enterprise suspected of embezzling over 21 million rubles ($700,000), the latest in a series of frauds uncovered in the domestic defense industry, RIA Novosti reported citing the Interior Ministry. The police are investigating the head of the Temp scientific and production association, part of state-run hi-tech corporation Russian Technologies. Temp develops and produces automated control systems for aviation gas turbine engines in most domestic military and civil aircraft. According to police information, the head of the enterprise signed repair and construction contracts with two firms in 2012 and gave instructions to pay them, although the contractors failed to carry out their obligations under the deals. “Police searched the premises of the enterprise, including the suspect’s office, and seized documents, accounting records, electronic media and other items related to the criminal case,” the ministry said in a statement. If convicted on charges of fraud, the suspect could face up to ten years in prison. The investigation is the latest episode in a string of high-profile scandals involving the Defense Ministry. A fraud involving the Oboronservis defense property agency led to the sacking of Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov late last year. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. Mkhitaryan raises arrest of former Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shared a news story about the extension of the arrest of former Karabakh leaders. |