Law enforcement authorities in the western Bryansk region conducted a search of Vice Governor Nikolai Simonenko’s residence and office on Tuesday morning as part of an ongoing inquiry into the building of border fortifications, as reported by Russian state media.

The operation was carried out by agents from the Interior Ministry’s financial crimes and anti-corruption division, along with the Federal Security Service (FSB), according to the state news agency TASS, which cited a source within law enforcement.

Simonenko has not yet been officially accused of any crimes, and there has been no formal acknowledgment of the search. As reported by TASS, the vice governor is responsible for overseeing the regional construction sector.

Although the exact reason for the search remains unclear, it is connected to a growing probe into alleged corruption related to border fortifications in the nearby Kursk region.

Following an incursion in August 2024, Ukrainian forces temporarily occupied parts of the Kursk area, raising concerns about the effectiveness and financial management of the border defense projects, despite Russia’s significant investment in them.

Multiple officials in Kursk, including former Governor Alexei Smirnov, have been charged with misappropriating funds designated for these defensive measures. Additionally, another former governor, Roman Starovoit, was reportedly facing allegations before his tragic death near Moscow earlier this month.