**Russia Cracks Down on Elite, Seizes Assets in War Drive**
In a move that highlights the growing grip of the Kremlin on Russia’s elite, two high-profile figures have been detained on corruption charges. The cases point to a concerted effort by Moscow to purge disloyal or corrupt elements within its business and security structures as it continues its full-scale war against Ukraine.
Konstantin Strukov, a billionaire gold mining magnate, was caught attempting to flee the country on a private jet, while Viktor Strigunov, a former top officer in Russia’s National Guard, is facing corruption accusations. The separate cases underscore a broader trend of Russian higher-ups purging corrupt or potentially disloyal figures.
“This is an increased crackdown on the Russian elite,” says Stephen Hall, assistant professor in Russian and post-Soviet politics at the University of Bath. “The Russian state is trying to send the signal that loyalty is important… You can be corrupt, but don’t be too excessively corrupt without showing loyalty.”
**Strukov’s Detention: A Case Study**
Konstantin Strukov, a billionaire running Russia’s third-largest gold producer, Yuzhuralzoloto group, was detained after attempting to leave Chelyabinsk for Turkey on a private jet. This move came despite a court ban on traveling abroad and an investigation into alleged environmental and safety violations at his company.
Strukov is accused of acquiring property “through corruption,” with Russian prosecutors suspecting him of using his official position to transfer assets to his company. His daughter, Alexandra, who holds Swiss citizenship, currently owns the Yuzhuralzoloto group.
The case mirrors earlier state takeovers during the full-scale war against Ukraine, presented as an anti-corruption campaign. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office now reportedly calls for the transfer of Strukov’s shares and stakes in 11 companies, including the Yuzhuralzoloto group, into state ownership.
**Implications and Analysis**
The detention of Konstantin Strukov signals that Russia is struggling to maintain control over its economy. “We’re starting to see that the ever-shrinking pie… needs to be redistributed,” Hall told the Kyiv Independent. The case could indicate that the Russian economy is not doing as well as Putin keeps on publicly saying.
The nationalization drive peaked in 2024, when the state seized at least 67 companies with a total asset valuation of 544.7 billion rubles (about $7 billion), highlighting a concerted effort to redistribute wealth and maintain control over key sectors.
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