Pavel Popov, a former Deputy Defense Minister of Russia, has been transferred from pre-trial detention to a civilian hospital for potential surgery, as reported by state news agencies on Thursday.

The 68-year-old was arrested last summer on charges of fraud amid a broader anti-corruption initiative within the Defense Ministry. He allegedly compelled contractors working on a military-themed amusement park near Moscow to perform unpaid construction work at his personal residence.

Popov has denied any wrongdoing, with the charges he faces carrying a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

His attorney, Denis Sagach, informed the state-run RIA Novosti news agency that Popov was urgently moved from the Lefortovo detention facility to the hospital on Sunday.

“Popov suffers from several chronic health conditions, one of which has recently worsened,” Sagach stated, noting that doctors are considering surgical options but have postponed any decisions until after the extended Victory Day celebrations in Russia.

Reportedly, Popov is dealing with obesity, hypertension, heart problems, and elevated blood sugar levels.

He held the position of deputy defense minister from November 2013 until June 2024.