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Russian Youth Agency Deputy Chief Arrested in Fraud Probe
Moscow authorities have detained Denis Ashirov, deputy head and state secretary of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, on suspicion of fraud involving state contracts. Investigators are examining his role in overseeing and approving work by Synergy University, and he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale fraud.
The contracts, signed in 2023 and 2024, were worth a combined 40.5 million roubles ($492,000) and covered online training for youth workers on preventing negative social phenomena. Synergy says it completed the work on time, passed expert review and won both contracts through open tenders; it says no employees have been charged. Media reports say vice rector Mikhail Yerofeyev was detained during raids.
In short
- Youth agency deputy Denis Ashirov was detained in a fraud probe.
- Investigators are examining two contracts worth 40.5 million roubles.
- Synergy University says the work was completed and accepted.