On April 24, 2025, the Tambov Garrison Military Court delivered a significant verdict against Ivan Popov, the former commander of the 58th Army of the Russian Armed Forces. The court sentenced Popov to five years in a general regime penal colony for his involvement in fraud and official forgery, stripping him of his rank as Major General in the process.
According to the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, Popov was found guilty of stealing over 1,700 tons of metal products, valued at more than 130 million rubles. These materials were originally purchased by the military-civilian administration of the Zaporozhye region as part of humanitarian aid, intended for the construction of defensive positions on the front lines.
The court's ruling revealed that Popov was part of an organized group that included Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov and entrepreneur Sergei Moiseev. Together, they orchestrated the theft, with investigators alleging that Popov received more than 1 million rubles for his role in the scheme. Moiseev, a co-defendant in the case, was also sentenced to four years in a penal colony and fined 600,000 rubles for his involvement.
Popov's legal troubles began in May 2024 when he was detained on charges of large-scale fraud. Initially placed under house arrest, the court tightened his restrictions on February 28, 2025, following a request from the military prosecutor's office. This decision came amid reports that Popov was to be released for deployment to the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine.
Throughout the proceedings, Popov maintained his innocence. His defense attorney, Sergei Buinovsky, announced plans to appeal the court's decision, arguing that the evidence against Popov was insufficient. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly due to Popov's prior military stature and the serious nature of the allegations.
Popov's situation became even more complex when he publicly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a letter dated March 20, 2025. In the letter, he requested that the president intervene in his case and facilitate his return to active duty. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the president, confirmed that Putin was made aware of Popov's request.
The court's ruling also highlighted the tragic fate of Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov, who was killed in the line of duty during the special operation in the summer of 2023. Tsokov was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Russia, and the criminal case against him was terminated following his death.
The legal proceedings against Popov have raised questions about accountability within the Russian military and the integrity of operations conducted in conflict zones. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader context of military governance and oversight in Russia.
As of now, Popov's future remains uncertain. The court's decision to impose a five-year sentence marks a notable development in a case that has implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the military establishment as a whole. Observers are keenly watching how the appeal process will unfold and what it may reveal about the inner workings of military justice in Russia.
