Russian Youth Agency Deputy Chief Arrested in Fraud Probe

Nov. 13, 2026 Denis Asharov. Video grab Authorities in Moscow have detained the deputy head of Russia’s Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodyozh) on suspicion of fraud tied to state contracts with a private university, the RBC news website reported Friday, citing three sources. The investigation centers on two state contracts worth a combined 40.5 million rubles ($492,000) that Rosmolodyozh signed with Synergy University in 2023 and 2024, according to RBC. Denis Ashirov, who has served as the agency’s state secretary and deputy head since July 2022, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale fraud. Investigators are examining Ashirov’s role in overseeing the contracts and approving the university’s work on behalf of Rosmolodyozh, RBC reported. Synergy University confirmed that investigators were looking into two contracts to develop online training programs for youth workers focused on “preventing negative social phenomena.” “The university fulfilled obligations under both contracts in full and within the established deadlines,” Synergy University said in a statement. “The work results passed the customer’s expert review and were accepted, with completion certificates signed by authorized officials.” The university said it won both contracts through open tenders involving seven organizations and that antitrust authorities had flagged no violations. RBC and state-run media reported that Mikhail Yerofeyev, Synergy’s vice rector for regional development, was detained during raids earlier Friday. The university said none of its employees had been charged. In its statement, Synergy University denied that any charges were pressed against its employees. Rosmolodyozh oversees Russia’s youth policy and runs programs for young people, including educational forums and grants for youth-led projects. Read more about: Court case , Corruption Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Jails Ex-Rail Executive for 11 Years Over $16M Fraud Case Alexei Taicher was found guilty of embezzling nearly $16 million from a company linked to state railway giant Russian Railways (RZhD). 2 Min read Russian General Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Bribery Case Denis Putilov is at least the eighth high-ranking officer to be targeted in a sweeping anti-corruption campaign shaking up the Russian military. 2 Min read Ex-Tomsk Mayor Targeted By Navalny Investigation Convicted of Abuse of Power Ivan Klyayn was arrested in November 2022, just two months after Navalny published an investigation alleging corruption by officials in Tomsk. 1 Min read Russian Natural Resources Ministry Official Arrested on Bribery Charges Reports said Alexei Yakovlev has been described as “arguably the only decent person” among his fellow department heads in the ministry. 2 Min read