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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