MOSCOW, October 4 (RAPSI) – Former Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyokov remains a witness in a “Oboronservis” defense property faud scandal, his attorney Genrikh Padva told RAPSI on Friday.
On Friday, various media outlets reported that the investigation was over and the suspects in the case were formally charged. Padva stressed that his client remained a witness in the case.
The criminal cases being probed by the Investigative Committee are linked to alleged corruption at Oboronservis, a Defense Ministry holding company dealing with the repair and maintenance of ministry installations, equipment and real estate. Several of Oboronservis' top executives have been arrested on charges related to fraudulent property deals.
Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov was dismissed amid a loud corruption scandal ensued in November 2012 to ensure the impartiality of the criminal investigation. He has so far been summoned for questioning as a witness in embezzlement cases linked to Oboronservis defense property services company.