More than 30 servicemen from Russia’s elite 83rd Airborne Assault Brigade deliberately shot themselves and even each other to falsely claim combat injuries and collect compensation of up to $37,000 each during Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to an investigation by the Main Military Investigative Department of the Russian Investigative Committee.
The inquiry found that these soldiers intentionally inflicted gunshot wounds and documented them as combat-related, allowing them to receive financial compensation, paid leave, and preferential medical treatment. The total amount of illicit payments reportedly exceeded $2.5 million USD. Some of the fabricated injuries were also used to justify state awards, primarily the Order of Courage and the Medal “For Bravery.”
High-ranking officers were among those implicated, including Guard Colonel Artem Gorodilov, former brigade commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Konstantin Frolov (aka “Palach” / “Executioner”), head of the special operations group. Both admitted guilt and testified against fellow servicemen.
Court documents regarding Frolov’s detention show that during his service, he officially received four combat injuries, while wearing patches indicating five minor and two severe wounds. Investigators confirmed that the injuries were not sustained in combat. Frolov admitted that his fellow soldiers shot him at his request, aiming to avoid vital organs, all to secure the $37,000 payout.
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Colonel Gorodilov faces charges of large-scale fraud (Part 4, Article 159 of the Russian Criminal Code). Frolov is charged with fraud, bribery, illegal possession of weapons and ammunition, and possession of explosive devices (Articles 290, 222, and 221.1).
Authorities linked the last two charges to caches discovered in the self-proclaimed LPR (Luhansk Peoples Republic), where Frolov stored three captured pistols, a rifle, magazines with ammunition, and several mines and grenades.
Investigators noted that some media reports about Frolov were false, including claims that he adopted a girl rescued from shelling or led the most effective sniper team.
Previously, it was reported that Russia is redeploying former prisoners of war to the front lines shortly after exchanges with Ukraine, often without medical treatment or legal demobilization—and in some cases, the same soldiers are captured again within weeks.
