Former Russian Kickboxing Federation VP arrested for embezzling $15,000 

The former vice-president is charged with embezzling 1 million rubles from budgets allocated for sports events. 

The former deputy head of Russia’s kickboxing federation has been arrested on charges of embezzlement.

Farigat Kasymov, who was reportedly detained in Chelyabinsk, has been charged with stealing more than 1 million rubles ($15,000) from the Sports Training Center of the Chelyabinsk region. The funds were supposed to be allocated for youth programs and sports events, though Kasymov allegedly did not implement the projects.

Police authorities in Chelyabinsk confirmed the charges, which include four counts of embezzlement. The violations were revealed by the Main Department for Economic Security and Anti-Corruption of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the region with the support of the regional FSB.

Kasymov appeared in court on August 16 and petitioned for the hearing to be held behind closed doors. The judge denied his request.

According to Kasymov’s lawyer, Nadezhda Solovieva, her client’s prosecution was a malicious provocation due to the fact that Kasymov’s position as a coach is sought after.

”The frame-up is feigned to weaken the position of Farigat Kasymov as a coach. That’s why his case is widely discussed. But people will remember that he was detained. They have caused an irreparable blow to his image and reputation. I know who did it. We will reveal it when the investigation is over. And my client will testify.”