Russia Defense Ministry Fraudster Duped Into Buying Fake Art

A Russian official accused of embezzlement is now the victim of a con herself. Yevgenia Vasilyeva, former head of the Defense Ministry’s property management administration, known as Oboronservis spent millions on what she thought were world class art pieces turned out to be nothing but cheap fakes.

Russian officials have seized a treasure trove of diamonds, gemstones and gold from Vasilyeva who is accused of embezzlement, including land, according to prosecutors. Her boss, former Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, was fired last year when the scandal broke out and is expected to testify in the case.

The Investigative Committee found $3.9 million haul of material including 57,000 diamonds and gemstones, and around 19 kilograms of gold jewelry.

Oboronservis performs a variety of services relating to Defense Ministry property, including the repair and maintenance of equipment and management of the department’s real estate, reported Ria Novosti. Vasilyeva faces prosecution on 12 counts, including fraud, money-laundering and abuse of office.

Vasilyeva is currently under house arrest in her 13-bedroom luxury apartment in Moscow.