The former deputy governor of the Rostov region has been placed on the wanted list. Cash and property worth over 700 million rubles have been seized from his family and accomplices. 

Former Deputy Governor and Minister of Transport Rostov Region Vladimir Okunev accuse in abuse of office and restriction of competition.

According to the investigation, Okunev and his subordinate Svetlana Shapovalova back in 2016, while working for the state-owned company Rostovavtodor, have created The companies, registering them in the names of their relatives, purchased more than 30 truck tractors and semi-trailers there with funds whose origins have not yet been determined. Afterwards, the companies began winning government contracts for roadwork in the region. 

Today, 36 real estate properties and 25 cars, worth over 600 million rubles in total, as well as 100 million rubles in cash, were confiscated from Okunev and his accomplices in favor of the state. 

Okunev served as the region's transport minister from 2020 to 2024. He resigned from his post at his own request. His successor Vitaly Kushnarev a month ago got 13 years in a maximum security prison for bribery.

The "purge" in the Rostov region government began after Yuri Slyusar replaced as governor Vasily Golubev. Several ministers were dismissed at once. In addition to Kushnarev, the deputy governor and the finance minister were arrested. Lilia Fedotova, deputy governor Victor Goncharov, minister of agriculture Konstantin Rachalovsky. Golubev himself became a senator immediately after his resignation. The Prosecutor General's Office requested that his immunity be lifted, but to no avail.