Imprisoned General Popov Seeks Putins Favor to Rejoin Military Amid Fraud Charges

A Russian general who was arrested last year on charges of fraud has claimed that the authorities are engaging in «unjust prosecution» and has urged President Vladimir Putin to allow him to return to his previous position, as reported by the Kommersant business newspaper on Thursday. This information was revealed through a letter directed to the Russian president.

Major General Ivan Popov, who led Russia’s 58th Combined Arms Army during the conflict in Ukraine, was taken into custody in May 2024 on allegations of embezzling $1.5 million worth of metal intended for the reinforcement of defensive structures in occupied areas of Ukraine.

A year prior, Popov had communicated grievances directly to former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu regarding ongoing mismanagement within the military, which led to his removal from command.

His discharge prompted backlash among prominent pro-war bloggers, who highlighted his significance and rapport with the soldiers on the front lines.

«I have been subjected to unjust prosecution,» Popov stated in a letter, the date of which is unspecified, according to Kommersant. «I desire to continue fighting against the enemy [Ukraine] in line with the oath I took.»

The Kremlin later verified that Putin had received correspondence from the general.

In July, a military court had placed Popov under house arrest; however, prosecutors successfully petitioned last month to have him returned to pre-trial detention over alleged violations that were not detailed.

As noted by Kommersant, under legislation enacted during Russia’s extensive military operations against Ukraine, Popov could evade prosecution by signing a military contract and returning to active combat duty.

If found guilty of large-scale fraud, he could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.