26.08.2025 19:55
In the Russian army, 35 soldiers shot each other to appear injured in combat and receive compensation. Among them, a large number of soldiers, including Colonel Artem Gorodilov and Lieutenant Colonel Konstantin Frolov, received around 1.5 million TL each through this scheme, but a major scandal emerged days later. Following the revelation of the incident by one soldier, an investigation was launched regarding the matter.
The military prosecutor's office in Russia has uncovered that soldiers and officers from the 83rd Guards Airborne Brigade intentionally shot each other to create fake battle wounds. It is claimed that they earned millions of rubles in compensation and state medals through this method.
THEY OBTAINED 95 MILLION TL IN COMPENSATION
According to independent news site Meduza, the soldiers and commanders in question obtained approximately 2.1 million euros (95 million TL) in excess compensation thanks to this scheme they organized to appear injured. They were also honored with state awards such as the "Order of Courage" and the "Courage Medal."
CONFESSIONS AND ARRESTS
The investigation began when a member of the brigade exposed the fake injury and award scandal. Among the defendants are former brigade commander Colonel Artem Gorodilov and Lieutenant Colonel Konstantin Frolov, nicknamed "The Executioner." Both individuals were arrested in the summer of 2024 and opted for a plea deal by admitting their crimes.
Gorodilov is accused of "large-scale fraud." Previously, he commanded the 234th Airborne Regiment, which was linked to the killing of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Bucha. Frolov faces charges of fraud, bribery, and illegal possession of weapons. Searches conducted in Luhansk, under Russian occupation, uncovered handguns, an infantry rifle, magazines, mines, and grenades.
STAGED HIS OWN WOUNDS
Documents in the case revealed that Frolov ordered his soldiers to shoot him to stage his own wounds. Despite having seven wound marks on his uniform, examinations showed that four of his wounds were fake.
Throughout his career, Frolov received four "Order of Courage" and two "Courage Medals." He was also frequently highlighted in Russian state media. In February 2024, Channel 1 aired a four-minute news segment describing him as "one of the most successful snipers in Ukraine."
TESTIFIED AGAINST HIS COMMANDER
The Russian newspaper Kommersant reported that Frolov testified against his commander Gorodilov. Both individuals requested permission from the court to return to the front lines, but their requests were denied.