Vladivostok mayor faces 10 years in prison for corruption allegations

A criminal case has been initiated against the mayor of Vladivostok, Igor Pushkaryov, who is suspected of abusing his power and accepting bribes, according to Vladimir Markin, the official spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee. If proven guilty, Pushkarev could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

According to federal police, the damage to Vladivostok caused by the mayor's misuse of government funds amounts to roughly 160 million rubles ($2.4 million).

Earlier, the mayor’s office denied the validity of claims that Pushkarev was in police custody and was being escorted to Moscow. Instead, the office insisted that the mayor was at work in Vladivostok. On Wednesday morning, it was reported that federal police had carried out searches of the city’s administration offices.

• According to reports, Pushkarev previously served in the managing board of 12 different companies, amongst them Dalryba Ltd., Vostokcement LLC, Skatsi OAO, PSRZ ZAO, Spasskcement OAO, Park-Trading Ltd., Pilar LLC, Activ Park LLC, MC Park Group LLC, and Greyvis Ltd. The last two organizations no longer exist.