A Former Russian General Who Criticized Moscow's Military Leadership in Ukraine Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Large-Scale Fraud

Major General Ivan Popov

Ivan Popov, a former major general in the Russian military and ex-commander of the 58th Army, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of large-scale fraud by a Russian military court. Popov, a veteran of the Chechen conflicts and former commander of Russian units in southern Ukraine, was convicted of embezzling more than 130 million roubles (approximately $1.56 million) worth of metal products that were intended for constructing fortifications along the Ukrainian frontline.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Popov’s prior criticism of Moscow's military leadership during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His lawyer confirmed plans to appeal the verdict. Popov previously described the legal proceedings against him as an “unjustified prosecution.”

Tried alongside Popov was businessman Sergei Moiseyev. A third alleged accomplice, Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov, died in Ukraine in 2023.

Major General Ivan Popov was stripped of his military rank and sentenced to 5 years in a general regime penal colony for fraud and official forgery. He was also fined 800,000 rubles.

This sentencing comes amid a broader anti-corruption probe targeting high-ranking officials in Russia’s defense ministry, which has led to multiple arrests and trials. However, Popov and his supporters claim his prosecution was politically motivated and a direct consequence of his outspoken remarks against the conduct of the war.

Following the failed June 2023 mutiny by Wagner Group mercenaries, Popov’s criticism of the Russian military's operational failures became public. In a voice message shared by a Russian lawmaker, Popov lamented the loss of Russian soldiers to Ukrainian artillery and accused military leadership of failing to provide adequate reconnaissance and weaponry. “There was a tough situation with the senior bosses in which it was necessary either to keep quiet and be a coward or to say it the way it is,” he stated. Shortly after this statement, he was dismissed from his command.

The former commander of Russia's 58th Combined Arms Army Major General Ivan Popov who was relieved last summer has been arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Popov was arrested in May 2024. His detention prompted a wave of support from prominent Russian military bloggers who described him as a competent and courageous officer targeted for his honesty.

In a final appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Popov wrote an open letter requesting to be deployed to the frontlines in exchange for the dismissal of his case. He reportedly reiterated this plea during the sentencing.