Former Aeroflot chief detained in expanding criminal probe

Mikhail Poluboyarinov, who served as CEO of Russia’s flagship carrier Aeroflot from November 2020 to April 2022, has been detained in connection with a criminal investigation, two sources confirmed.

The sources said investigators are currently carrying out procedural actions involving Poluboyarinov, although his exact status in the case has not been disclosed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to one source familiar with the matter, the investigation may be linked to Poluboyarinov’s tenure at the state development corporation VEB.RF, where he held senior positions between 2009 and 2019.

The reported detention comes against the backdrop of a separate criminal case involving Artem Dovlatov, deputy chairman of VEB.RF and a member of the board of directors of the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation. In early May 2026, a court placed Dovlatov under house arrest on charges related to the alleged abuse of official powers.

Poluboyarinov left his position as Aeroflot’s chief executive in March 2022, shortly after being included on European Union sanctions lists.

Following his departure from the airline, he joined the Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec in January 2023.

By Vafa Guliyeva