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Ex-Kursk Governor Testifies Against Predecessor in Border Defense Corruption Trial

themoscowtimes.com3/27/2026
Ex-Kursk Governor Testifies Against Predecessor in Border Defense Corruption Trial

Former Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov testified against his late predecessor Roman Starovoit in court this week and entered into a plea bargain with state prosecutors, marking the latest development in a years-long corruption saga involving border defense construction projects. Smirnov, who served as governor between May and December 2024, was arrested on fraud charges last year along with his first deputy, Alexei Dedov. The two men were accused of embezzling public funds meant for defense fortifications along the border with Ukraine.

© themoscowtimes.com — excerpt. Originally published by themoscowtimes.com. View the original ↗

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