Ex-Lawyer Elman Pashayev Faces Serious Fraud Allegations Amidst War Exploitation
Elman Pashayev, a former lawyer, has been arrested amid shocking allegations of exploiting mobilized prisoners during the ongoing special military operation. Reports from the Telegram channel Mash indicate that Pashayev offered convicts the chance to avoid frontline combat by paying him substantial sums of money. The amount of fraud is believed to be in the tens of millions of rubles, with at least five victims planning to pursue legal action against him.
According to sources, Pashayev's scheme involved convincing prisoners to pay for positions in the rear, promising a safer service away from the dangers of the battlefield. One victim's wife recounted how Pashayev proposed to place her husband in a less dangerous regiment for a fee of 1.2 million rubles, suggesting splitting the payment to avoid suspicion. Fortunately, she ultimately declined the offer, but others were not so fortunate.
The investigation into Pashayev has revealed a troubling pattern of deceit. He is also suspected of faking an injury sustained in the conflict zone to claim 3 million rubles in state benefits. Law enforcement is probing deeper, interrogating fellow soldiers and examining a prior incident where Pashayev claimed to have survived a drone strike, seeking compensation that was denied due to suspicions of fraud.
On September 17, the Russian Investigative Committee announced a criminal case against Pashayev under Part 4 of Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code for large-scale fraud. Allegations include convincing a couple that he could absolve them of criminal charges in exchange for a hefty monetary reward, reportedly receiving around 45 million rubles for his promised services. Following these developments, he was remanded in custody by the Moscow Garrison Military Court.
Pashayev's financial troubles are extensive, with debts totaling approximately 39.4 million rubles, primarily sought by Moscow bailiffs. His legal career has been marred by controversy, having been stripped of his lawyer status multiple times. Notably, he gained public attention during the trial of actor Mikhail Efremov for a fatal accident, further tarnishing his reputation.
As the investigation continues, the implications of Pashayev's actions raise serious ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals during wartime.
