Russian soldiers accused of shooting comrades in multi-million fraud case

Russian soldiers and officers from the 83rd Airborne Assault Brigade reportedly staged injuries and shot one another to claim state awards and financial compensation.

According to Kommersant, investigators have concluded one of the most high-profile military fraud cases in recent years, with losses exceeding 200 million roubles ($2.48 million).

The Russian Investigative Committee alleges that servicemen fabricated combat injuries to receive payouts. Key figures include the brigade’s former commander, Colonel Artem Gorodilov, and head of the special operations group, Lieutenant Colonel Konstantin Frolov, known by the callsign “Executioner.”

Both men have reportedly admitted their guilt, entered pre-trial agreements, and are expected to testify against fellow servicemen. The investigation spans around 100 volumes of evidence, with a military court set to hear the cases in full shortly.

Gorodilov faces charges of large-scale fraud, while Frolov is accused of multiple offences, including bribery and illegal possession of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Investigators say over 30 soldiers from the brigade received payments for injuries allegedly sustained on the front line, which were also used to justify awards such as the Order of Courage and the Medal for Valour.

By Aghakazim Guliyev