According to TASS on 25/8, Bazarov's office is being searched following his arrest for allegedly embezzling 1 billion rubles (nearly 12.4 million USD) from funds earmarked for defensive fortifications.

Kursk Deputy Governor Vladimir Bazarov. Photo: Moscow Times

Kursk Deputy Governor Vladimir Bazarov. Photo: Moscow Times

Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein confirmed the information, adding that Bazarov's arrest stems from issues during his previous role in the neighboring Belgorod region, where he also served as deputy governor.

Kursk and Belgorod are two Russian border regions adjacent to Ukraine, frequently targeted by Ukrainian UAV attacks.

Location of Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions. Graphic: RYV

Location of Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions. Graphic: RYV

In August of last year, the Ukrainian military launched an offensive into the Kursk region, briefly controlling areas within the region. Russia subsequently counterattacked, pushing back most Ukrainian forces.

Since Ukraine's Kursk offensive, several Russian officials have been investigated for corruption. Former Kursk Governor Roman Starovoit was dismissed by President Vladimir Putin in July. He was later found dead in his car with a gunshot wound. Investigators determined his death was likely a suicide.

Ngoc Anh (TASS, Reuters, Moscow Times)