Former Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov Sentenced to 19 Years

The 235th Garrison Military Court in Moscow delivered its verdict on 10 April 2026 against Pavel Popov, a former deputy minister of defence and a retired army general. Popov was found guilty of embezzling 25.8 million ruble from the state‑run “Patriot” park and of receiving two especially large bribes while overseeing the park’s operations.

The court imposed a 19‑year term in a strict‑regime colony, a fine of 85 million ruble, and ordered the confiscation of 45.6 million ruble deemed equivalent to the bribes. In addition, Popov was stripped of his rank of “General of the Army” and of seven state orders and one medal.

Prosecutors had asked for a 22‑year sentence, but the judge settled on the 19‑year term. The case is one of the most high‑profile corruption prosecutions involving the Russian defence establishment in recent years.