The Odintsovo Military Court in the Moscow region sentenced Major General Vladimir Shesterov to 6 years in prison on 17/7 after finding him guilty of "large-scale fraud and forgery". Shesterov was also stripped of his military rank and fined 500,000 rubles (6,400 USD).

Shesterov, the former deputy head of the Main Directorate of Innovative Development at the Russian Ministry of Defense, was arrested in August 2024. He was accused, along with accomplices, of embezzling budget funds allocated for the operation of the "Patriot" military theme park near Moscow.

According to RIA Novosti, the investigation revealed that Shesterov and the park's former director, Vyacheslav Akhmedov, falsified documents related to completed construction work at the facility, totaling approximately 26 million rubles (332,000 USD). Shesterov pleaded guilty but insisted he did not receive any material benefit.

"I must take responsibility. I am not hiding my guilt and sincerely repent," Shesterov said in court. Akhmedov was also arrested in August of last year and has pleaded guilty.

Vladimir Shesterov at the Odintsovo Military Court, Moscow region, on 17/7. Photo: RIA Novosti

Vladimir Shesterov at the Odintsovo Military Court, Moscow region, on 17/7. Photo: RIA Novosti

Patriot Park, located on the western outskirts of Moscow, opened in June 2015. It showcases a variety of Russian military equipment and is a popular tourist destination.

The theme park case also involves former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov, who is currently under investigation.

Popov is accused of directing Shesterov and Akhmedov to build a two-story house, a guest house with a sauna, and a two-story garage on his property in the Moscow region using Ministry of Defense funds. The former deputy defense minister denies the allegations.

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, TASS)