Deputy Head of Rosmolodezh Denis Ashirov Detained in Fraud Case

In Moscow, the deputy head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), Denis Ashirov, has been detained — he is suspected of fraud involving state contracts with a private university.

The case concerns two state contracts with a total value of 40.5 million rubles ($492,000) that Rosmolodezh concluded with Synergy University in 2023 and 2024. Investigators are examining Ashirov's role in overseeing the contracts and approving the university's work. Ashirov has held the post of state secretary — deputy head of the agency since July 2022; under the article on fraud on an especially large scale, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Synergy confirmed that investigators are examining two contracts for the development of online training programs for youth workers on the "prevention of negative social phenomena." "The university fulfilled its obligations under both contracts in full and within the established deadlines," the university's statement said. It noted that the results of the work passed the customer's expert review and were accepted, and that the acceptance certificates were signed by authorized persons. The university won both contracts through open tenders involving seven organizations, and the antimonopoly authorities found no violations.

During raids on Friday, Synergy's vice-rector for regional development, Mikhail Yerofeyev, was detained. The university stated that no charges have been brought against its employees.

Rosmolodezh is responsible for Russia's youth policy, holds educational forums and issues grants for youth projects.