Key Facts
- ✓ The criminal case against retired Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office for indictment approval.
- ✓ Investigators allege that the 71-year-old former Deputy Minister of Defense embezzled 49 million rubles during energy audit contracts.
- ✓ The alleged theft occurred during the procurement of services to examine lighting systems at the S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy in Saint Petersburg.
- ✓ Bulgakov and two other individuals implicated in the case have refused to admit guilt regarding the embezzlement allegations.
High-Rank Investigation
The criminal case against retired Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been submitted to the Prosecutor General's Office for the final approval of charges. This move marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the former Deputy Minister of Defense for logistics.
Bulgakov, who served as the deputy minister responsible for the rear (tylovik), is the central figure in an investigation alleging large-scale financial misconduct. The case file has now left the investigative authorities and moved to the prosecution stage, signaling that investigators have concluded their primary work.
The Allegations
According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, the 71-year-old general is implicated in the theft of 49 million rubles. The alleged scheme revolved around contracts for energy audits of lighting systems at a prestigious military institution.
The specific facility targeted was the S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy located in Saint Petersburg. The funds were allocated for services regarding the examination of both internal and external lighting systems, yet investigators claim the funds were illicitly diverted.
The prosecution's case rests on the following key elements:
- Contracts for energy examination services
- Target: Internal and external lighting systems
- Location: S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy
- Alleged loss: 49 million rubles
Defense Position
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the general maintains his innocence. Dmitry Bulgakov has formally refused to admit guilt in the alleged embezzlement case.
He is not the only individual standing trial; two other co-defendants are also involved in this criminal proceeding. Like the general, both of these individuals have rejected the charges and are not acknowledging any wrongdoing regarding the financial transactions in question.
Institutional Context
The S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy is one of Russia's oldest and most respected medical institutions. Established in 1798, it serves as a major center for training military doctors and conducting medical research.
Energy efficiency audits are standard procedure for large state-owned facilities aiming to modernize infrastructure and reduce utility costs. In this instance, the investigation focuses on whether the procurement process for these specific lighting assessments was manipulated for personal gain.
Looking Ahead
The transfer of the case to the Prosecutor General's Office is the final procedural step before the case enters the court system. Prosecutors must now review the evidence and formally approve the indictment.
If the charges are confirmed, the trial will proceed in a military court. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of defense procurement practices and the legal accountability of high-ranking officials, even in retirement.
