Russian Colonel arrested in Kursk border defense corruption probe

Colonel Aleksandr Barinov, a department head in the engineering troops directorate of Russia’s Leningrad Military District, has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation in the Kursk Region.

Investigators allege that Barinov approved the construction of defensive structures, including reinforced-concrete anti-tank barriers known as ‘dragon’s teeth’, without conducting proper inspections. By signing acceptance certificates ‘without looking’, he allegedly helped conceal the theft of at least 700 million rubles (approximately $8.5 million) intended for fortification construction.

Governor Aleksandr Khinshtein stated that the officer’s actions contributed to substandard defenses in the region and frontline areas. The scrutiny of these fortifications follows a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region in August 2024. Barinov has partially admitted guilt and faces charges of abuse of office; he remains in custody.