Sacked Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in his car near Moscow with a gunshot wound, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his post. Russian investigators suspect suicide as the primary cause, but several questions remain unanswered.
State investigators said a pistol registered in Starovoit’s name was recovered near the scene. Though initial reports said he was found inside the car, some law enforcement sources cited by Russian media indicated his body was discovered in nearby bushes beside his Tesla, parked near a suburban park close to his home.
Corruption Probe Linked to Border Defense Funds
The sudden death of the sacked Russian transport minister comes amid growing scrutiny over corruption in the Kursk region, which Starovoit governed for nearly five years before becoming transport minister in May 2024.
At the center of the investigation is the alleged embezzlement of 19.4 billion roubles ($246 million) allocated in 2022 to strengthen Russia’s border with Ukraine. The funds, designated for fortifying Kursk’s border defenses, may not have been fully utilized for their intended purpose, raising serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Political analysts and unnamed transport industry sources suggest that the firing of the sacked Russian transport minister may be directly linked to this scandal. These sources noted that his position had been under review for several months.
Starovoit Named in Testimony by Former Deputy
In April 2025, Starovoit’s successor and former deputy, Alexei Smirnov, was formally charged with embezzlement involving border defense funds. Russian media outlets report that Smirnov told investigators Starovoit was also involved in the misappropriation of money.
Although Reuters could not independently verify this, the implication of the sacked Russian transport minister adds a troubling layer to the ongoing investigation. Smirnov has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer declined to comment.
Kursk Region Vulnerability & Political Fallout
Shortly after Starovoit became transport minister, Ukrainian forces breached Russia’s border, making their way into the Kursk region in the biggest foreign incursion since World War II. Intense fighting ensued, and Ukrainian troops were expelled only after widespread destruction.
Critics argue that the region’s vulnerability may have been a direct result of the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for border security. The sacked Russian transport minister was facing increasing scrutiny over how funds were spent—or not spent—on defense.
Challenges in Russia’s Transport Sector
The death of the sacked Russian transport minister comes during a critical period for Russia’s transport industry. The ongoing Ukraine war has placed enormous strain on infrastructure and logistics. The aviation sector is suffering due to a shortage of spare parts, while Russian Railways, the country’s largest employer, is burdened by soaring interest rates.
Long-range drone attacks by Ukrainian forces have also caused frequent shutdowns at major Russian airports, creating delays and logistical disruptions across the country.
Putin Appoints New Acting Minister
Following the dismissal and death of the sacked Russian transport minister, President Putin appointed Andrei Nikitin, a former Novgorod governor, as the new acting transport minister. The Kremlin released photos of Nikitin shaking hands with Putin during his official appointment.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Putin had full confidence in Nikitin’s experience and professionalism. In his meeting with Putin, Nikitin emphasized plans to digitize the transport sector, reduce cargo delays, and improve cross-border goods movement.
The Transport Ministry declined to issue a statement on Starovoit’s death.
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