A new investigation has concluded that the commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, General Sergei Sorobikin, was involved in corruption deals in Syria that included his wife's business, dealings in Syrian phosphate mines and taking bribes from a businessman connected to the Kremlin.
A new investigation by an anti-corruption organization headed by jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny reveals that Sorobykin may have profited financially during his and subsequent tenures in command of Russian forces in Syria.
The investigation mentioned Gennady Timchenko, a Kremlin-connected businessman who made billions in oil and energy trading through a company called Gunbor.
According to the US Treasury Department, Timchenko's business is "directly related to Russian President Vladimir Putin", who holds investments in the company.