Russia’s Interior Ministry is reportedly investigating allegations of embezzlement concerning RUB 6.5bn (US$204m) in funding for the country’s Glonass satellite navigation project.
The Russian government is supporting a transparent investigation…
Russia’s Interior Ministry is reportedly investigating allegations of embezzlement concerning RUB 6.5bn (US$204m) in funding for the country’s Glonass satellite navigation project.
The Russian government is supporting a transparent investigation into the programme, reported state-owned news agency RIA Novosti citing Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov on 9 November.
RIA Novosti’s report said a criminal investigation had been opened into several senior officials at Russian Space Systems (RSS), which was hired by Russia’s Roscosmos space agency to draft technical specifications for the Glonass system. An undisclosed subcontractor suspected of being the main conduit of the embezzled funds is also being investigated, added the report.
On 11 November, RIA Novosti reported that Yury Urlichich had stepped down as director general of RSS as part of the investigations.
RSS, which reportedly denies the allegations, and Roscosmos were unable to comment before the press deadline.
