Local reports have unveiled one of Russia’s most decorated officers as the alleged architect of an audacious fraud operation, where elite soldiers, and even their commanding officer, supposedly shot themselves to claim substantial combat injury compensation.
Investigators claim Lt. Col. Konstantin Frolov, known as “the Executioner” for his sharpshooting abilities, not only falsified his own valorous deeds but also assisted his soldiers in embezzling close to $2.5 million through an extensive military fraud, according to the .
The publication further stated that Artem Gorodilov, a former brigade commander, has also been implicated in connection with this case.
According to the outlet, at least 35 officers within the esteemed 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade allegedly avoided active combat and each received nearly $40,000.
Kommersant reported that Frolov had been highly regarded throughout the three-year conflict in Ukraine, claiming to have endured five minor and two severe injuries. His purported courage purportedly garnered him four “Orders of Courage”—among Russia’s highest honors—alongside two supplementary medals for valor.
However, the Russian report indicates that these wounds were fabricated. Frolov eventually confessed to instructing his soldiers to intentionally shoot him, ensuring that vital organs were not struck.
Kommersant stated that the scandal came to light last summer after a whistleblower notified authorities. Frolov was apprehended in June 2024, with Gorodilov’s arrest following a month later, and both are now facing charges, the outlet added.
Furthermore, Kommersant reports that Frolov allegedly retained three captured pistols, a machine gun, ammunition magazines, along with several mines and grenades. The outlet mentioned the colonel faces accusations of bribery and illegal trafficking in .
Based on open data, Gorodilov has also been charged with “especially large scale” fraud, the outlet confirmed.