MOSCOW, August 1 The Meshchansky Court of Moscow has arrested the head of Voentorg Vladimir Pavlov in a case of embezzlement in government contracts for the Ministry of Defense, a correspondent from the courtroom reported sessions.
“The court ruled to satisfy the investigator’s motion and choose a preventive measure in the form of detention for Pavlov,” Judge Elena Karakeshisheva announced the decision.
Pavlov was sent to a pre-trial detention center until September 30. He was charged under the article “Fraud on an especially large scale.”
In justifying the arrest, the investigator claimed that the defendant in the case could abscond, destroy evidence or put pressure on witnesses who were directly subordinate to him.
In turn, Pavlov did not admit guilt, promised not to hide and to cooperate with the investigation. He specified that he holds the position of CEO not only at Voentorg, but also at Slavyanka JSC and in 12 years of work «he was not noticed in any fraudulent actions.»
«I have four children, five grandchildren and have no intention of hiding or subjecting them to negative influence,» Pavlov said.
As the lawyer stated, her client did not sign the contracts that formed the basis of the charges, was engaged in entrepreneurial activity, and therefore cannot be arrested. In addition, the defense emphasized that Pavlov voluntarily testified, has certificates and awards, and was a participant in military operations.
According to the investigation, the head and employees of JSC Voentorg, together with other accomplices, from 2019 to 2022 supplied the Ministry of Defense with hygiene kits worth 625 million rubles under state contracts, inflating the price by more than 400 million. The «Army toiletry bags» include: a toothbrush, a razor, sewing accessories, shampoo, gel and other hygiene items.
Pavlov and a 41-year-old native of North Ossetia, a beneficiary of controlled organizations involved in the criminal scheme, were detained in connection with the case.