The head of Russia's military park and a top Defense Ministry official are arrested for fraud
The director of a park showcasing Russia's military might was arrested on fraud charges, along with a top Defense Ministry official, part of a sweeping investigation into abuse of office in the top echelons of the military leadership
MOSCOW (AP) — The director of an exhibition park showcasing Russia’s military might was arrested on fraud charges along with a top Defense Ministry official, part of a sweeping investigation into abuse of office in the top echelons of the military leadership.
Vyacheslav Akhmedov, head of the Patriot Park — sometimes called Russia's “military Disneyland” — and Maj. Gen Vladimir Shesterov, deputy of the Defense Ministry's innovations department, were detained, Russia's Investigative Committee said Monday.
The committee, Russia’s top criminal investigation agency, said the two are suspected of embezzling government funds earmarked for the park, which opened in 2015.
Patriot Park features displays of weaponry and serves as a venue for their demonstration and battle reenactments. The sprawling facility also includes an air base along with a firing range, museums, a conference center and even has a Russian Orthodox cathedral devoted to the armed forces on its 5,400 hectares (over 13,300 acres).
