How Russian commanders profit from the dead: a scheme to hide troop losses exposed.

Corruption scheme among Russian commanders

According to UATV: The partisan group 'Atesh' has uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme in which Russian commanders deliberately underreport personnel losses to continue receiving pay and benefits for soldiers who have died. For instance, out of 100 troops killed in action, only 5 may be officially recorded. This means the true casualty count is far higher than what is publicly acknowledged.

Consequences of the corrupt practice

Specifically, more than 50 deaths have been concealed in the 70th and 291st Motor Rifle Regiments as a result of this practice. By keeping dead soldiers listed as alive on paper, the state continues to disburse salaries, bonuses, and rations for them. This allows commanders to unlawfully pocket funds that should have gone to the fallen and their families.

• Ukraine estimates Russia's irreversible losses at 1.3 million personnel.
• The scheme enables commanders to underreport casualties in official records.
• This situation exposes serious flaws in Russia's military management and funding systems.

The exposure of this corruption highlights not only deep internal problems within the Russian army but also potential consequences for troop morale and the families of soldiers. Misusing funds that were meant to support grieving families can erode trust among service members and the broader public in both military leadership and the state. It also raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Russia's administrative structures, especially amid a prolonged war and its wide-reaching impact on the country.

“The scheme allows commanders to underreport losses on paper and systematically enrich themselves using money intended for the dead and their families.” — 'Atesh'