MOSCOW – Russian investigators announced Thursday that corruption charges have been filed against a high-ranking former defense ministry official, marking another development in an extensive investigation targeting military leadership.
According to the state Investigative Committee, Ruslan Tsalikov faces accusations of embezzlement, money laundering, and accepting bribes during his time in government service.
Tsalikov held the position of first deputy defense minister for nearly a decade, serving from 2015 until 2024. His tenure coincided with a period that saw widespread corruption investigations result in the detention of numerous high-ranking military officers, deputy ministers, and civilian defense personnel.
The prosecution follows a pattern of similar cases, including that of former deputy minister Timur Ivanov, who received a 13-year prison sentence in July 2025.
Both Tsalikov and Ivanov worked under the leadership of Sergei Shoigu, who maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin for many years. Shoigu’s role as defense minister ended in 2024 when he was reassigned to lead Russia’s Security Council.
