Former Russian regional official reported missing in Ukraine

Sergey Vlasov, a former deputy governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region who previously oversaw the construction sector, has been reported missing in the area of what Moscow refers to as the “special military operation” in Ukraine.

According to Russian media, it is not yet possible to confirm his death, as his body has not been recovered.

In December 2025, Vlasov was convicted of accepting a large bribe and sentenced to 11 years in a maximum-security prison, along with a fine of 90 million roubles.

According to investigators, while serving as deputy governor and supervising construction projects, he allegedly demanded a share of illicit payments from the head of a company in exchange for administrative support and continued financing of works.

The company’s chief executive subsequently reported the matter to law enforcement.

The report also notes that a key witness in the case, a former company executive referenced in the investigation materials, later went to war, and his separate bribery case has been suspended.