Inspection uncovers $20 million theft in Russian Air Force

A recent financial inspection of the Russian Air Force's economic activities has revealed a shortfal of $21 million, a source in the Defense Ministry told RIA Novosti Wednesday.

“According to the latest inspections, the damages suffered by the Air Forces are estimated at more than 660 million rubles,” the source said.

This figure is twice as high as the previous inspection's findings.

The damages are in most cases caused by misuse of budgetary funds and material resources by senior officers, the source added.

The inspection also revealed numerous causes of “uneconomical, irrational and inefficient spending” of funds.

The Russian Defense Minister, Anatoly Serdyukov, has demanded that the Defense Ministry take measures to eliminate poor practise and punish those guilty of embezzlement.