Russian official convicted in bribery scandal over illegal mining violations
A former assistant forestry engineer in Yakutia, Russia, has been convicted of accepting a bribe from a mining company. The case involved illegal payments to cover up environmental violations near the Lena River. Despite the conviction, the company at the centre of the scandal continues its operations.
In 2019, ESK Energomost LLC broke forestry laws near the Lena River and Peleduy village. The company cut down trees without permission, damaged young saplings, and used unauthorised access routes. To hide these violations, the firm offered a bribe to a forestry official.
The bribe included an outboard motor worth 551,000 rubles ($6,600) and two propellers valued at 20,600 rubles ($250), totalling 571,600 rubles ($6,900). The official was found guilty under anti-corruption laws, though one chargeâPart 1 of Article 285âwas later dropped as unnecessary.
The court initially fined the former engineer 3.8 million rubles ($45,600) and banned them from forestry work for five years. This penalty was later reduced to 3.5 million rubles ($42,000) due to time already served under house arrest.
Since the violations were exposed, ESK Energomost LLC has faced fines but has not stopped its activities. As of 2026, the company, linked to coal mining, has expanded its operations in the same area. Local activists and regulators have repeatedly raised concerns about ongoing environmental damage.
The conviction highlights persistent issues with illegal mining and corruption in Yakutia's forestry sector. While the former official faces financial penalties and a work ban, the company involved remains active. Environmental groups continue to monitor the situation as operations press on near the Lena River.
