Major Russian universities face corruption investigations

Russian investigators have launched inquiries into several major universities following a series of high-profile corruption allegations.

The educational institutions that come under scrutiny include the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), and the Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Investigators reportedly focus not only on multimillion-ruble contracts but also on potential conflicts of interest involving official positions and family ties.

At the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, former vice rectors for science and economics have been detained.

Investigators allege they may have embezzled approximately 600 million rubles (approx. $7.7 million) allocated under a 2019 state contract to develop technologies for the aerospace industry.

At GITIS, authorities are reviewing reports concerning Rector Grigory Zaslavsky's overseas real estate holdings, as well as the employment of his relatives at the university.

Meanwhile, former RUDN Vice Rector Anzhela Dolzhikova has been accused of embezzling more than 40 million rubles through fraudulent grant schemes.

The investigations are ongoing, and no court rulings have been issued in the cases.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov