A TV star is set to stand trial in Russia for smuggling parts for a Kalashnikov
Russian investigative authorities have concluded their investigation into a high-profile criminal case involving large-scale fraud during the modernization of AK-12 assault rifles by the Kalashnikov Concern.
The suspects are accused of replacing Russian components with cheap Chinese equivalents, which were imported into the country disguised as ordinary nuts.
As part of the investigation, five people, including some well-known figures, will stand trial. One of the key participants in the scheme turned out to be Alexei Ledenev—the winner of the 2010 season of “Dancing with the Stars” on Russia’s Channel One.
Joining him in the dock is Ksenia Graschenkova, the procurement director of the Kalashnikov Concern.
The defendants are charged with several serious offenses, including large-scale fraud and smuggling.
Investigators also allege abuse of authority during the fulfillment of a state defense contract. These actions jeopardized the quality of the weapons supplied to the regular armed forces.
The story began in 2023, when Kalashnikov Concern JSC was modernizing the 5.45mm AK-12 assault rifle.
Special steel semi-finished parts were required to update the weapon’s design. The terms of the government contract allowed for the involvement of third-party organizations in production to carry out specific technological processes.
Alexey Morokhov, the owner of Ivanovskie Kovshi LLC, approached representatives of the defense giant. He officially assured management that his company’s capacity allegedly allowed it to manufacture the 84,000 necessary parts.
However, a subsequent on-site inspection revealed that the company had neither the necessary equipment nor qualified personnel.
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