$8 billion embezzled in construction of Sochi rhythmic gymnastics center

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Russian police have charged 13 individuals in connection with a major embezzlement case involving funds allocated for the construction of an Artistic Gymnastics Center in Sochi. The alleged damage exceeds 8 billion rubles, according to the official spokesperson of the Russian Interior Ministry, Irina Volk.

Volk stated that the investigation is being conducted by the Investigative Department of the Russian Interior Ministry in collaboration with the Main Directorate for Economic Security and Anti-Corruption. The defendants are accused of embezzlement on a particularly large scale, as well as subsequent money laundering of part of the illegally obtained funds.

According to the investigation, those charged include a former member of the board of directors of Gazprom PJSC, a former deputy general director of Gazprom Mezhregiongaz LLC, and heads of contracting and affiliated organizations.

Law enforcement authorities allege that from 2016 to May 2019, the participants in the scheme created the appearance of carrying out construction work at the sports and recreation complex, the Artistic Gymnastics Center in Sochi. However, funds allocated by Gazprom Investgazifikatsiya for the project were allegedly stolen.

It is claimed that approximately 1.5 billion rubles of the funds were subsequently laundered.

The criminal case was transferred to the Investigative Department of the Russian Interior Ministry in March 2025. Some of the suspects have been placed on an international wanted list, and the alleged organizer of the scheme has been arrested in absentia.

The Russian Interior Ministry noted that operational activities and investigative actions related to the case are ongoing.