he long-running saga of a high-ranking traffic police official, who became infamous nationwide after investigators discovered gold-plated toilets in his mansion, has finally reached its conclusion.
After court proceedings dragging on since 2021, a verdict was announced: the former law enforcement chief was sentenced to 20 years in a high-security penal colony.
Why was he arrested?
Investigators accused the official and several accomplices of creating a criminal network and taking bribes. The scheme allegedly involved allowing overloaded trucks to freely use regional roads in exchange for hefty payoffs—drivers later admitted that a “special pass” cost around 10,000 rubles.
The golden toilets scandal
The case might have gone down as just another corruption trial—if not for what was found inside his home. Photos and videos showed luxurious interiors fit for a palace, including gold-plated toilets, extravagant furniture, luxury cars, and multiple mansions worth tens of millions. The images spread across the country, sparking memes, criticism, and even public protests with symbolic golden toilets placed outside police buildings.
Prosecutors later revealed that the family owned dozens of mansions and luxury vehicles, many hidden under relatives’ names. Part of the wealth was confiscated, though the notorious “golden toilet” mansion never ended up in state hands.
Court battles and final verdict
Throughout the trial, the former official denied wrongdoing and claimed he had nothing to do with the alleged criminal group. The prosecution demanded over two decades in prison and a massive fine.
The court ultimately found him guilty on multiple counts: abuse of office, forming a criminal organization, and dozens of cases of large-scale bribery. The sentence:
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20 years in a strict-regime colony
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1 year of restricted freedom
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12-year ban from holding official posts
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100 million ruble fine Stripped of his rank and confiscation of millions’ worth of property.
While this chapter has officially closed, many locals believe the scheme behind overloaded trucks hasn’t disappeared—only changed its form.
