Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov sentenced to 19 years for corruption

Moscow. Former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov has been sentenced to 19 years in prison on corruption charges. Arrested in 2024, the case against him centers on financial irregularities related to a massive military-themed park in Moscow, often referred to by some as Russia's 'military Disneyland'.

The Patriot Park project was built under the initiative of former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Its purpose was to instill national pride in the younger generation and showcase Soviet and Russian military power.

The park includes a firing range, air base, museum, and conference center. It also features a massive khaki-colored cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces, complete with mosaics of Soviet and Russian soldiers.

According to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin personally contributed financially to the creation of the main icon used for the church.

According to the state news agency RIA Novosti, Popov was the official responsible for the development and maintenance of Patriot Park. Investigators concluded that he misappropriated more than 25 million rubles (approximately $324,000) from the park's budget for the renovation of his private property in the Moscow region.

According to the state news agency TASS, Popov has denied the charges, and his lawyer stated they would appeal the verdict. The court also imposed a fine of 85 million rubles (approximately $1.1 million) along with his sentence.

In a related development, the director of Patriot Park and assistant to the Defense Ministry's innovation department, Major General Vladimir Shesterov, was also found guilty. He was sentenced to six years in prison, while another official accused alongside Popov received a five-year sentence.

At least a dozen officials associated with former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu are reportedly under investigation as part of a sweeping probe into abuse of power within the Russian military leadership.

Popov served as Deputy Defense Minister from 2013 until June 2024. He was dismissed from his post last year by presidential decree.