The case of Dmitry Sazonov in the city of Samara really shocked the Russian public. When a police colonel who came from an entire dynasty of human rights defenders was detained on July 25, 2018, no one could initially believe his guilt. It would seem that this exemplary employee, who rose to the rank of deputy head of the Rosgvardia department in the Samara region, and also performed the duties of the head of the licensing department, really fell under investigation because of some mistake and slander. But in reality, the story of Dmitry Sazonov was much darker than his bright image among the people.
A family
Dmitry Sazonov really comes from a very strict and domineering family. His father Viktor is the speaker of the provincial Duma in Samara, and his mother Natalya was a member of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, although she is now retired. It is not surprising that the children of these people reached very high posts. Dmitry Sazonov and his sister Olga in Samara were famous personalities. She is the director of the Research Institute of Hygiene and Human Ecology, and he is the head of the LRO. It would seem that everything was already prepared for them from birth. But for some reason Dmitry nevertheless decided to break the law in order to receive additional money.
Accusations
If we consider in essence, then Dmitry Sazonov did not commit anything particularly criminal by the standards of Russia. If you really start investigating, then finding at least one official in the country who has never taken bribes is quite difficult.
But in some ways he went too far when he immediately began to receive bribes from the Zakonovskie organized crime group. Each month, according to the version of the investigation, he was given 100 thousand rubles each, so that he would assist private security companies that were directly connected with the criminal group. In the version of the investigation, at present, a figure of 400 thousand rubles appears, although many believe that in reality the connection between the criminals and the colonel lasted about 5 years.
Bad Company
It is clear that Dmitry Sazonov was one of the “golden youth” of Samara by its origin. Therefore, his connection with the organized crime group is quite unusual, because a good boy and criminals simply could not intersect anywhere close. In addition, in the Samara region , several members of law enforcement agencies had already been detained, who were connected by commercial relations with Zakonovsky.
Even more unusual is the fact that he took such a risk when the service was shaking from such arrests. That is why, after the arrest of Dmitry, a rumor went that all this was specially prepared to directly undermine the position of the father of the defendant, who has been the chairman of the Samara State Duma for many years.
Detention
The detention of Dmitry Sazonov took place in the Vacuum restaurant, the owner of which is the daughter of the accused. It happened almost immediately after receiving another bribe. As evidence, he was presented with the fact that luminous paint was found on the detainee’s hands, which marked the money in the tranche.
Sazonov completely denies all the allegations, claiming that the dye fell into his hands after contact with a criminal who directly bribed. Dmitry bluntly says that at the meeting they shook hands, and since his right hand was dirty after dinner, he greeted the man with his left. Such detention was a real sensation for the residents of Samara, who were simply struck by the accusations.
Court
On July 26, a court session was held that determined the fate of Dmitry Sazonov. Three lawyers defended him at once. First of all, they asked to completely protect the defendant from the press. The desire was completely legitimate, so it was satisfied, and all the media were removed from the courtroom. And they also tried to insist that a private meeting be held, but this was already refused. The consideration of the case was entrusted to the distinguished judge Alexander Solomatin, who began to examine it on the merits.
As charges were brought, Article 290 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, namely its 5th part, was charged. Sazonov is directly accused of receiving bribes from the private security company Vostok Lada. This company, according to security officials, is connected precisely with the Zakonovskie organized crime group. For the money received, the colonel had to turn a blind eye to all the violations of the company.
Court Results
In fact, Sazonov directly says that any accusations against him are a provocation. Therefore, they should not be taken into account. But Alexander Orlov, who is a representative of Vostok Lada, continues to point to him. In addition, he states that the father and son of the Sazonovs could threaten him and his family. Therefore, as a preventive measure, he insists on taking the accused into custody, and not under house arrest.
However, in essence this case is very strange. It is known that Orlov is quite well acquainted with Dmitry and his father. Therefore, their handshake at a meeting is really not unusual, as Sazonov says. And the paint actually could pass from Orlov’s hand.
Conclusion
As you know, the investigation asks for Sazonov’s restriction of freedom until September 26 for investigative measures. So far, the only witness has been interviewed in the case, as well as searches have been carried out. Surprisingly, the investigation did not even pin the inspection report to the petition, since the team leader did not consider it necessary. And also rather big doubts are caused by Orlov himself as a witness, since partially his testimony is not true.
Despite all this, as well as the experienced hypertensive crisis and the cancer of the defendant's father, it was still decided to detain him until September 25, 2018. It was then that all the operational-search measures would be fully completed and it was determined what kind of punishment would be assigned. But, as already mentioned, the case is rather ambiguous, since there are a number of inconsistencies in the testimony of the witness. And also alarming is the fact that Sazonov never really directly took money from Orlov’s hands or even received it. But now it remains only to wait, what will end the case of Dmitry Sazonov in Samara.