Kommersant: Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office fires its ‘chief specialist’ in asset confiscation

Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has fired Sergei Bochkarev, head of its civil litigation division and the agency's chief specialist in seizing business assets for the state. Meduza reports Bochkarev oversaw some of Russia's most prominent confiscations, including Domodedovo Airport, Makfa, and the Yuzhuralzoloto holding company. But his record shows a pattern: while prosecutors valued these assets substantially in their lawsuits, they fetched only modest sums when sold at auction—some even came with inherited debts. He also led prosecution efforts in cases seeking to confiscate billions from a Russian colonel charged with bribery. The reason for his firing remains unclear, though sources tell Meduza the Prosecutor General expressed dissatisfaction with his work. He may now pursue research and teaching, possibly as vice-rector at a major Russian university.

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