Russia’s Former Transport Minister Dies by Suicide After Dismissal and Embezzlement Allegations

Russia’s former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the village of Myakinino near Moscow, according to the pro-government newspaper Izvestia, which cited unnamed sources, on July 7. His death reportedly followed his dismissal by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti, citing the Investigative Committee, reported that Starovoit’s body was found in his private vehicle with a gunshot wound. Investigators from Russia’s Main Investigative Directorate are working to confirm the exact circumstances. Suicide remains the leading theory.

Russian media reports indicate that Starovoit shot himself with an honorary firearm he received from the Interior Ministry in 2023. Preliminary findings suggest his death may be connected to a looming criminal investigation.

Starovoit’s ousting came amid a series of transportation crises. On July 5–6, nearly 500 flights were grounded at major Russian airports due to heightened security threats from drone attacks. The next day, an explosion aboard the Eco Wizard tanker at the Ust-Luga port in Leningrad region caused an ammonia leak.

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Before becoming transport minister in May 2024, Starovoit had served as governor of the Kursk region. He was sanctioned by both Ukraine and Western nations for his role in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

One of Starovoit’s former deputies, Aleksei Smirnov—briefly acting governor of Kursk region—was recently arrested on suspicion of embezzling more than $12 million (1 billion rubles) during the construction of military fortifications near the Ukrainian border. Smirnov reportedly testified against Starovoit.

An investigation into large-scale embezzlement in Kursk region is ongoing, with several of Starovoit’s former deputies under scrutiny.

The exact timing of Starovoit's death remains unclear. Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defense Committee, confirmed the incident to RTVI, stating only that it occurred "quite some time ago," without providing further details.

Previously, Andrei Badalov, vice president of Transneft , died after falling from the window of his Moscow apartment. According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, which cited law enforcement sources, the preliminary cause of death is believed to be suicide.

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