Russian Energy Ministers Caught in Coal Fraud Investigation

Russian investigators have detained current and former deputy energy ministers Sergei Mochalnikov and Anatoly Yanovsky over alleged fraud in the coal industry. The investigation highlights potential financial misconduct relating to the closure of coal mines, with damages reported to be up to $5 million directly and $125 million indirectly.

Authorities in Russia have apprehended Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Mochalnikov, alongside former deputy Anatoly Yanovsky, amid an ongoing probe into alleged fraud within the coal sector.

The charges emanate from suspected financial misconduct associated with coal mine closures, indicating direct damages of 500 million roubles and further indirect losses amounting to 12 billion roubles, as reported by the Kommersant business daily.

While neither Mochalnikov nor Yanovsky could be reached for comment, this investigation coincides with a series of corruption cases involving senior officials in Russia, with charges ranging from bribery to embezzlement.

(With inputs from agencies.)