News on the criminal case against former Readovka head Kostilev

New information has emerged regarding the criminal case opened against Aleksey Kostilev, the former head of “Readovka.” This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to the investigation version, he is suspected of participating in a scheme to embezzle budget funds within the framework of state orders. However, Kostilev strongly denies his guilt and does not consider himself guilty.

He has been charged under Article 159, Part 4 of the Criminal Code — fraud on a large scale. Known as a former leader, Kostilev stated during the investigation that he had no connection to the crime and expressed disagreement with the charges.

According to sources from RBC, this case was opened in the fall of 2025. Initially, the participants were not identified.

Kostilev was interrogated twice, and on February 27, he was detained and taken into custody for two months by court order. According to the investigation, the case is related to state contracts for the purchase and delivery of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The contract amount is several billion rubles. Investigators estimate the damage caused at approximately 1 billion rubles.

According to information, the fraud was concealed under the guise of lawful business activity. Additionally, investigators are examining Kostilev’s former colleagues.

The Tver District Court of Moscow city satisfied the investigation’s request on February 27, 2026, and imposed a preventive measure of two months’ detention on Kostilev. At that time, he had procedural status as a suspect.

For now, the case is ongoing at the investigation stage. Despite the serious charges, the final conclusion will only be made after the investigation and court proceedings are completed.