Russia detains billionaire, executives, drone official in fraud probe

Efko is a major player in Russia's drone sector through its venture Future Transport, and is also the country's leading producer of sunflower oil. The detentions reportedly stem from suspicions that Efko officials covertly purchased drones from China and then presented them as their own proprietary developments. The trade and industry ministry confirmed the detention of Alla Polovchenya, who serves as the deputy head of its department of unmanned systems and robotics.

Efko has stated its support for the detained employees and called for restraint from speculation. The company has been involved in drone development since 2021, with a research and development center in the Belgorod region and a production plant in Tolyatti. Boosting domestic drone production has been identified by President Vladimir Putin as a critical priority in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.