Tula’s ‘Model Police Officer’ Arrested Over $2K Bribe – Reports

Oct. 12, 2026 Moscow-Live photobank / flickr An award-winning police officer in central Russia’s Tula region has been arrested on suspicion of extorting a 200,000-ruble ($2,400) bribe, the news outlet Ostorozhno Novosti reported Monday. The officer, identified as Yekaterina F., 30, is a deputy supervisor of local district police officers who has served for at least nine years. She reportedly won the regional stage of an Interior Ministry competition honoring district officers in both 2023 and 2024. Investigators allege that she demanded the money from a local resident in exchange for blocking a criminal fraud case against his son involving a forged driver’s license. The man reported the extortion attempt to law enforcement before handing over the money, Ostorozhno Novosti reported. The officer faces up to 12 years in prison if convicted of taking a large bribe through extortion. A Tula judge ordered to place her in pre-trial detention for one month and 29 days. Regional authorities praised her in 2024 as a model police officer and a trusted figure in her community. “Service is not easy for a woman. But I really like my work because I love helping people,” she said at the time. Read more about: Tula , Regions , Police , 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 ‘I’ll Shoot You All’: Police Officer Threatens to Fire On Protesters at Saratov Park Locals have for weeks demonstrated against the planned construction of a school in the city park. 1 Min read Dozens of Russian Regional Officials Arrested on Corruption Suspicions in 2025 – Report At least 28 regional officials, including ministers, vice governors and their deputies, have come under investigation since the start of the year. 2 Min read Rostov Police to Be Reimbursed for Refusing Bribes in ‘Anti-Corruption’ Effort Officers who refuse bribes will now be compensated in full as a reward for their integrity, essentially receiving the money anyway. 1 Min read Russian Newspaper Calls for Robot Riot Cops to Be Unleashed on Anti-Corruption Protests A top Russian official has publicly pledged to unleash the country's full police arsenal if more anti-corruption protests take place without government...