Russian Nuclear Power Plant Managers Arrested

The current and former deputy director of construction for one of Russia's nuclear power plants have been arrested for "misappropriating funds."

According to reporting from RBC, it's claimed the defendants, who worked for the Smolensk nuclear power plant (NPP) capital construction department, had been accepting money in advance of construction work, resulting in gaining 3 million rubles for work that was never completed.

Russia's Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation has been contacted via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Financial fraud and corruption within Russian organizations has been a political issue in the country for decades, leading to the popularity and subsequent death of anti-corruption advocate and Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny.

In addition to the Smolensk plant losing 3 million rubles due to this alleged misappropriation incident, the outgoing Biden Administration just instituted sanctions on Russian nuclear energy, so any money taken from projects could have an even more significant financial effect than intended.

What To Know

Smolensk NPP construction was working on the creation of a second nuclear plant, Smolensk-II, which was expected to be completed with two units for 2032 and 2034.

This plant is needed as the first Smolensk NPP reactor was built in 1982, and all three reactors are nearing the end of their operational permits. The first unit can operate until 2027, but the second can only operate until May 29, 2025. The third unit has a longer life span until December 14 2034.

The machine room at the Smolensk Nuclear Power Plant in 1986. The Smolensk-II plant is under construction as the original plant was built in 1982 and is nearing the end of its life span. Boris Babanov/Sputnik via AP

The Smolensk-II plant project, which the two men allegedly stole from, is believed to be the largest construction project in the region since the Soviet era. It is being constructed by Titan-2 construction company.

Sergey Gromov, the deputy director of the Smolensk NPP, explained to Nuclear Engineering International magazine in 2023 the importance of having a tight schedule for construction on the Smolensk-II plant. He said there was a lot to get done from building access roads, railways, engineering communications and the supply of electricity and water, to making sure the land was safe to build on and assessing the area's ability to host a nuclear power plant.

He said: "In a word, there are many tasks, but they inspire us, because we are involved in one of the innovative projects... which will determine the appearance of the nuclear energy industry of Russia and the world in the next century."

What Happens Next

If the two capital construction deputies are found guilty of abuse of office, they will face up to 10 years in jail.