Record 12 Billion Rubles in CASH Seized from Arrested FSB Officer

Being a colonel in Russia's FSB probably pays well, but not that well!
Corruption is Everywhere - Definitely in Russian Police Services

FILE PHOTO. ©  Global Look Press / Silas Stein

Some 12 billion rubles ($185 million) in cash has been reportedly seized from an FSB colonel facing charges of large scale corruption – overshadowing the notorious case of Colonel Zakharchenko and his record of 8.5 billion rubles.

The piles of cash – literally – were discovered at three apartments belonging to FSB Colonel Kirill Cherkalin and, allegedly, to his allies, Russian media reported on Friday, citing sources close to the investigation. Aside from cash, a whole collection of luxury wristwatches and other treasures were seized as well.

The funds were allegedly provided to the official and two of his accomplices by various banks and other businesses for “protection.”

“We believe these funds have been received for a general ‘patronage’ from representatives of several commercial firms, first of all from directors of banks,” a source told Rosbalt.

On Thursday, Colonel Cherkalin, who has served as the head of the FSB department on cyber security in the banking sphere, was charged with receiving a hefty bribe of $850 thousand (some 55 million rubles) from a commercial firm. Cherkalin and his two accomplices – both of them are retired FSB Colonels – were arrested earlier this year and remain in custody by court ruling.

Col. Cherkalin resisted arrest and wound up with a broken arm.

If confirmed, the sum of 12 billion rubles will mark the largest-ever amount of cash, seized from a corrupt official in Russia. Prior to this, the dubious ‘record’ was held by police colonel, Dmitry Zakharchenko.

While holding a senior anti-corruption post, Zakharchenko managed to amass a whopping 8.5 billion rubles (some $ 131.5 million) in cash, allegedly extorting bribes from various businessmen. The hearings on the Zakharchenko case continue, earlier this week a prosecutor asked the court to sentence the former law enforcer to 15 and a half years behind bars.

Malaysian Police Seize $273M in Raid on Former PM's Properties

Corruption is Everywhere - Certainly in Malaysian Politics

By Daniel Uria  

Police in Malaysia seized an estimated $273 million worth of goods in a raid on properties belonging to former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Photo by Ahmad Yusni/EPA

UPI -- Malaysian police seized cash, jewelry, handbags and watches worth an estimated $273 million in a raid on properties belonging to former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Police commissioner Amar Singh confirmed officials conducted the raids on six properties belonging to Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, as part of an investigation into his 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) state fund.

"I think this is the biggest seizure in Malaysian history," Singh said. "So now you can understand why we couldn't do the counting at the premises itself? Because the numbers were just too huge."

Unbelievable!

Police seized more than 12,000 items including $12.7 million worth of Hermes handbags, $19 million worth of watches from makers such as Rolex, Richard Mille and Chopard, and 274 pairs of designer sunglasses from brands including Cartier, Versace and Dior valued at $19.4 million.

The most expensive single item was a gold and diamond necklace worth $1.6 million.

Police formed eight teams consisting of more than 150 officers and worked for weeks to analyze the items.

Singh said Razak and Mansor will be called to give statements regarding the investigation. Attorney General Tommy Thomas also is studying investigation papers for possible criminal or civil proceedings, after Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Najib would be charged with bribery and embezzlement of public funds.

Mahathir is looking to recoup $4.5 billion of funds possibly lost through 1MDB.