Alexey Smirnov has been placed in pre-trial detention for two months by the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow. He is accused of large-scale fraud in connection with misappropriation of state funds meant for military fortifications, allegedly committed by an organized group using official positions. Smirnov’s former deputy, Alexey Dedov, faces the same charges.
Smirnov is a Russian politician who served as acting governor and then governor of Kursk Oblast from May to December 2024, before resigning. Smirnov rose through local administrative ranks and was appointed to replace Roman Starovoit, who became Minister of Transport. His short tenure coincided with a the incursion by Ukrainian forces into the region in August 2024, capturing several settlements.
The double arrest took place in the context of this intrusion. Authorities allege that Smirnov and Dedov were involved in the embezzlement of over one billion rubles allocated to the Kursk Oblast Development Corporation, which were primarily intended for the construction of border fortifications with Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the arrested duo led the group responsible for coordinating the misappropriation with the corporation’s leadership; three executives from the Development Corporation and multiple contractors—who reportedly received state funds but failed to complete the contracted work—were previously detained.
Smirnov had previsouly faced critisim for his administration’s handling of the Ukrainian troops incursion into Kursk. Notably, residents reported a lack of official warnings, unclear evacuation guidance, and delayed public statements. Key information circulated mainly through unofficial Telegram channels, fueling panic and exposing gaps in emergency response leadership.
Though Smirnov’s December 2024 resignation was presented as voluntary, political motives cannot be ruled out. His sudden dismissal after only 7 months in office and the investigation’s timing, launched post-resignation, raise questions about potential internal power struggles or image management within the administration.