Former Kursk Governor Arrested for Embezzling Defense Funds

Alexei Smirnov, the former governor of Russia's Kursk region, and his deputy Alexei Dedov have been detained on suspicion of embezzling government funds allocated for building defensive fortifications along the border with Ukraine. The arrests follow a high-profile Ukrainian incursion into Kursk in August 2024, after which Russian forces regained much of the territory. Investigations allege that hundreds of millions of rubles were misappropriated through fake contracts and shell companies, with related charges already brought against other regional officials. The case has intensified scrutiny of Russian military infrastructure and border defenses, particularly after accusations from displaced residents over inadequate protection and compensation. The Kremlin has not publicly commented on the detentions, which come amid a wave of anti-corruption probes targeting Russian military and regional officials. Smirnov, who served as governor for just over 200 days, reportedly fell out of favor with President Putin during the crisis response.