**Russian Transport Minister Found Dead Amid Corruption Probe**
A high-ranking Russian official, Roman Starovoit, has been found dead with a gunshot wound in a park outside Moscow. The death comes as Starovoit was facing dismissal from his position as transport minister due to allegations of embezzlement.
According to sources, Starovoit’s dismissal had been planned for some time as he was suspected of being involved in the misuse of funds earmarked for strengthening the border with Ukraine. The money was intended to improve defenses in the Kursk region, which was recently the site of a major incursion by Ukrainian forces.
The Kremlin has expressed shock at Starovoit’s death but has refused to disclose the reasons behind his dismissal. State prosecutors have also declined to comment on the matter.
**Background: Corruption and Embezzlement Allegations**
In December, state prosecutors announced that they had discovered embezzlement of funds allocated for strengthening the border in Kursk. The investigation found that some of the money was used for overstated construction costs, with at least 3.2 billion roubles ($41 million) unaccounted for.
The probe into the misuse of funds began when Starovoit was still governor of Kursk and continued after he became transport minister. Prosecutors have said that those implicated in the case had given evidence against Starovoit.
**Major Incursion by Ukrainian Forces**
In August 2024, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers crossed the Russian border into the Kursk region, leading to a major embarrassment for the Russian army. The incursion was the largest foreign invasion into Russia since World War Two.
The fighting lasted for several months, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Ukraine said that tens of thousands of its soldiers had been killed or injured in the battles, while Russia kept its own casualties secret.
**Investigation Ongoing**
Russia’s State Investigative Committee is currently investigating Starovoit’s death and has concluded that his principal hypothesis was that he took his own life. A gun was found near his body, but no further details have been released about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident has sparked concerns about corruption within Russia’s government and law enforcement agencies. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on President Vladimir Putin’s administration.
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