In a significant legal development, Emil Kadyrov, a participant in the popular Russian television show "Voice," was detained on March 26, 2025, in Moscow on suspicion of committing fraud involving the federal program known as the "Pushkin Card." This initiative was designed to support cultural events across Russia, but Kadyrov's alleged actions have raised serious concerns about its misuse.
According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, Kadyrov is suspected of orchestrating a scheme that resulted in the embezzlement of around 1.3 million rubles (approximately $17,000). The investigation revealed that Kadyrov, along with his accomplice, Elena Gurko, who serves as the deputy artistic director of the Eldar concert hall, organized fictitious concerts where tickets were sold using the "Pushkin Card" system.
In February 2023, Kadyrov proposed to hold an event titled "Dedication to Great Singers" at the Eldar concert hall and sought approval from the Moscow Department of Culture to include his concert in the "Pushkin Card" program. The head of the department, Alexander Kibovsky, approved the application, although he was later arrested for unrelated fraudulent activities and claimed to be unaware of Kadyrov's intentions.
Following the approval, Kadyrov and Gurko allegedly sold 332 tickets for the nonexistent concert, generating a total revenue of 1.332 million rubles. However, no actual performances took place, and the duo submitted falsified reports to the Ministry of Culture regarding the event, which facilitated the theft of over 1 million rubles from state and bank funds.
Yulia Ivanova, the head of the press service for the Investigative Committee in Moscow, stated that the criminal group’s activities were effectively halted thanks to the coordinated efforts of investigators and operational staff from various law enforcement agencies. This case is part of a broader crackdown on fraud related to the "Pushkin Card" program, which has previously seen other individuals sentenced for similar offenses.
Earlier, a case involving embezzlement exceeding 200 million rubles through the same program led to prison sentences for several perpetrators, including Viktor Yakubov, Emil Gurbanov, and Ilya Safonov, who received terms ranging from four to six years.
The "Pushkin Card" program, launched to encourage cultural engagement among youth, allows holders to purchase tickets for various cultural events. However, Kadyrov's case highlights the vulnerabilities within this system, as the tickets sold for his concerts were reportedly far beyond the actual capacity of the venues.
Law enforcement agencies became suspicious of Kadyrov when they noticed unusually large sums being withdrawn from the state budget for concerts featuring an artist who was not widely recognized. Reports indicate that Kadyrov's interest was predominantly focused on customers using "Pushkin Cards," raising further red flags about his activities.
As the investigation continues, Kadyrov and Gurko are currently undergoing questioning as part of the ongoing legal proceedings. The case has drawn significant media attention, not only for its implications regarding cultural funding but also for its spotlight on the potential for abuse within government-supported programs.
In light of these events, the Investigative Committee has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all avenues of fraud related to state funding, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding public resources. The Kadyrov case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in monitoring the use of government programs designed to benefit cultural initiatives.
As the situation develops, many are left wondering how widespread such fraudulent activities might be and what measures will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The integrity of cultural funding programs is crucial for ensuring that they fulfill their intended purpose of enriching the arts and supporting artists across Russia.
