Several former deputies of Anatoly Chubais, the ex-head of Rosnano, were detained recently in Moscow as part of a significant investigation surrounding allegations of financial misconduct within the state corporation. The detentions, reported on January 30, 2025, are linked to charges of abusing power and misappropriating funds totaling 45 billion rubles.
Among those detained are Boris Podolsky, who previously served as the executive director of Rosnano, and Artyom Galstyan, who held the position of deputy executive director and managing director of finance. These arrests occur against the backdrop of intense scrutiny of Rosnano, which was established to promote nanotechnology and investment opportunities within Russia.
The inquiry is being led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, which has been investigating the financial activities of Rosnano during the period when Chubais was at the helm, from 2008 until his departure from the position at the end of 2020. The scope of the alleged misconduct extends beyond the 45 billion rubles associated with this case, with some estimates indicating financial losses amounting to over 200 billion rubles due to mismanagement and suspicious activities.
TASS, citing law enforcement sources, stated, "Detained were deputies of the former head of Rosnano Anatoly Chubais as part of the abuse of power case." This highlights the focus of the investigations on the conduct of high-ranking officials within Rosnano who are suspected of enriching themselves at the expense of the corporation and the state.
Currently, the status of those detained is still being determined as investigators continue to gather evidence. This recent wave of detentions follows calls from members of the State Duma, including deputies Andrei Kartapolov and Andrei Lugovoi, who demanded the Investigative Committee look closely at Chubais's operations during his tenure.
Statements from officials are underscoring the gravity of the allegations. "The estimated damage from dishonest financial transactions exceeds 200 billion rubles," said Evgeny Frolov, Rosnano's director of special assignments. This admission sheds light on the magnitude of the financial mismanagement reported to date.
Compounding the complexity of the matter is the fact Chubais himself remains outside of Russia. Following his resignation from the role of special representative for sustainable development, he left the country amid rising tensions associated with his management of Rosnano. Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the severity of the situation, stating Chubais had "fled" Russia, evading potential legal repercussions.
Vyacheslav Volodin, the Speaker of the State Duma, publicly called for Chubais's extradition, stating, "Where is Chubais? Let's take him, extradite him." This comment reflects not only the growing discontent about the financial scandals surrounding Rosnano but also hints at the polarizing nature of Chubais’s legacy within Russian political discourse.
This current wave of detainment and investigation has put additional pressure on the already troubled reputation of Rosnano, which was once viewed as a flagship of Russian innovation and technology. Yet, allegations of financial impropriety continue to tarnish its image, leading to questions about accountability for top executives.
Investigators have noted this case is not isolated. Several other former high-ranking officials connected to Rosnano are reportedly under scrutiny, and some have already been charged or detained. Two former top managers have been declared internationally wanted as the investigations seek to trace the complex web of financial dealings at Rosnano and its affiliated entities.
These developments raise serious questions for the organization and its future—how will Rosnano manage to rebuild trust and shore up its credibility moving forward? The entangled web of accountability and corruption allegations is likely to linger as investigations continue.
While the detained officials await their fate, the finger of suspicion looms ever larger over Chubais, who remains abroad. The political ramifications of this case are sure to echo around Moscow and beyond, as pressures mount for justice and clarity on the allegations plaguing Rosnano.