[49258] The arrest of the CEO of the Russian "KrasMash" plant on suspicion of corruption causes a stir

Dramatic arrest in the Russian defense industry

On May 4, 2026, the arrest of Alexander Gavrilov, CEO of the "KrasMash" plant in Krasnoyarsk, which is responsible for the production of ballistic missiles and components for Russian space programs, was reported. According to the state news agency RIA Novosti and reports in TASS, Gavrilov is being held in a (closed) detention facility on suspicion of embezzling state funds, while a series of additional sources, including NGS24.RU and political blogger Anatoly Shariy, indicate that the primary suspicion relates to the receipt of bribes totaling approximately 3 million rubles.

Disagreements and conflicting reports

Reports surrounding the affair highlight an official lack of clarity. While many of the sources point to a certain arrest, the local television channel TVK noted that law enforcement agencies, including the prosecutor's office and the Investigative Committee, initially stated they "know nothing about the arrest." On the other hand, staunchly pro-government sources such as Kirill Fedorov's channel and Ukraina.ru claim that investigation procedures at the plant had been ongoing for about two weeks before the actual arrest took place.

Public criticism

The affair has sparked sharp criticism among opposition figures in exile. Anatoly Shariy, known for his critical positions toward the administration in Moscow, used the event to attack the ruling elite: "A group of thieves and outlaws appoints the managers of strategic plants, and there is silence." He argued that while the arrest is an exception, the entire system is plagued by structural corruption.

Gavrilov, who has headed the plant since 2018, had even recently submitted his candidacy for the primaries of the "United Russia" party, making his arrest one with prominent local political implications in Krasnoyarsk.