Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Putin’s Corrupt Army

 



Vladimir Putin’s generals are siphoning off “billions” from the army while soldiers flog stolen gear and vehicles on Russia’s version of eBay.  Items such as body armour, helmets, equipment and even vehicles are all up for sale on Avito.

One savvy seller posted an ad for a GAZ 2330 Tiger infantry vehicle – used in the Russian army since 2006 – fit with armour plates, spall liners and bulletproof glass windows for $422,635

Also on sale is 6B45 body armour – the standard Russian military armour being used in Ukraine – for around $143 along with high-grade special ops helmets and granite bulletproof coverings.

A full vest with helmet is selling for $422– with a pair of granite bulletproof plates for $211

The practice of Russian officers selling off military equipment online is surprisingly common. Salaries of unit commanders are so low they’ve been known to “supplement their income” by “selling whatever they’ve got”.

Shipments of new body armour or equipment is often sold online rather than being issued to troops – with some reports of recruits having to buy the gear back just so they have some protection.

And this apparent corruption comes right from the top of the Russian military, with experts saying even generals are stealing cash from the coffers.

Putin’s mafia state is one of the most corrupt in the world – being ranked 136 out of 180 countries in 2021 by Transparency International.

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