Two deputy defense ministers of Russia, Timur Ivanov and Pavel Popov, have been charged with organizing a criminal group, the Telegram channel "Ezh/Glavnoe" reports. These charges could seriously complicate the situation of high-ranking officials, since such charges not only increase possible sentences, but also open up additional opportunities for the investigation.

The filing of charges under the article on the creation of a criminal community means that the investigation can now expand the circle of suspects, including persons who may have been connected to Ivanov and Popov through official or personal contacts. The investigation can also initiate new criminal cases based on the information already received and hold other participants in possible criminal activity accountable.

These charges against such high-ranking officials of the Russian Defense Ministry could have far-reaching consequences for the entire Russian political elite. The investigation is expected to focus on identifying possible schemes of illegal activity in which major figures in the Russian defense sector may have been involved.