Scandal in the Kalashnikov Concern: Russian Automatics with Chinese Parts
A former Kalashnikov executive is facing serious charges including fraud and organized crime in connection with defense contracts in Russia.
A Moscow court has extended the detention of Ksenia Grashchenkova, the former procurement and logistics director of the Kalashnikov Concern, for an additional two months. Kalashnikov, the largest manufacturer of firearms in Russia and part of the sanctioned state defense corporation Rostec, is currently under scrutiny amid allegations related to the use of Chinese parts in its products. Grashchenkova was detained in December 2025, although the specifics of the charges against her have not been fully disclosed to the public. In recent developments, details have emerged indicating that Grashchenkova is accused of being involved in an organized criminal group and multi-million dollar embezzlement of funds allocated by the Russian Ministry of Defense for public contracts involving military equipment production. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison. This case raises significant concerns about corruption within key defense industries, particularly in light of ongoing sanctions against Russia. Moreover, the implications of using foreign parts, specifically from China, in the production of the AK-15 rifle have highlighted vulnerabilities in Russian defense manufacturing. As the country seeks to bolster its military capabilities amidst international isolation, reliance on non-domestic components poses strategic risks. The current scandal could further undermine public trust in the government and defense industries at a time when transparency and accountability are crucial.