Former Minister of transport Don Vladimir Okunev opened a new case

A new criminal case was opened against the former Deputy Governor of the Rostov region Vladimir Okunev. According to the portal DonDay, citing its own source, the case was opened on suspicion of legalization (laundering) of money or property.

Recall that Okunev is already under investigation under article on abuse of office and declared wanted. Earlier, in December 2025, the court in absentia chose him a measure of restraint in the form of detention.

According to the investigation, since 2016, using his official position, Okunev, together with his former deputy, established the company Transnerud-South and Builder LLC. Through these firms, presumably, legalization of income received as a result of fraud was carried out. The companies won public procurement, and dozens of trucks and semi-trailers registered for relatives were purchased for unconfirmed revenues. Investigators believe the money was laundered through the purchase of expensive cars and real estate. These facts formed the basis of the new criminal case.

In November 2025, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation filed a lawsuit for the circulation to the state of all property allegedly acquired by corruption, Vladimir Okunev and his former deputy Svetlana Shapovalova.

Vladimir Okunev has extensive experience in the construction and road transport sectors, holding senior positions in specialized organizations and the Ministry of Transport of the Rostov region. From December 2020 to April 2024, he consistently served as Minister of Transport, and then Deputy Governor of the Rostov Region – Minister of Transport. In April 2024, he was dismissed at his own request.