Dmitry Drany is back in action: former head of the Kirov city administration detained in Yaroslavl

      According to insider information, on July 15 in Kirov, Yaroslavl FSB allegedly conducted several searches of "civilian individuals." Meanwhile, as of Tuesday, Dmitry Nikolaevich is a suspect in a criminal case "for bribery."

      By the way, the former city manager resigned from his position in Kirov in 2014 allegedly due to "disagreements" that arose with then "great city head" Vladimir Bykov, who first faced the threat of sentencing in the case of land sale in Victory Park (the final sentence was approved after 10 years).

      As explained by a source, noting that, at least until midday Wednesday, the news had not received widespread publicity in Yaroslavl, the searches in Kirov could have taken place in three or four locations: possibly at the former wife and children’s, friends’, or business partners’ places. Those whose activities are related to subcontracting or construction. Since witnesses are usually not searched in such cases, it is most likely that by July 15, Dmitry Nikolaevich was already a suspect in the bribery case or was very close to such a status.

      According to a Yaroslavl interlocutor, Dmitry Dranoy, who holds the position of General and Technical Director of JSC "Yardorstroy" (the counterpart of the Kirov-based "GUMS": from 2005 a technical director and since 2007 a general director), maintained "construction ties" in Kirov and had repeatedly invited them to perform work.

      At the same time, the source suggests that one of the main invitees could have been one of Kirov’s construction companies. More precisely, its "subsidiary company":

      "The bribery case probably wasn’t related to the eight-billion contract for the reconstruction of the old panel hospital, because its renovation would be unprofitable. And a 'forced contractor' is unlikely to give any kickbacks for that," shared the Yaroslavl builder.

      The interviewee believes that the reason behind the “bribe in paper” could have been the "very lucrative" housing development on the Yaroslavl embankment: "Our companies were fighting over this very 'tempting piece.' And it’s quite possible that the main contract will be signed by 'the most generous contractor.' So, it’s worth considering the involvement of Kirov participants in the bribery and construction events."

      Additionally, there is a more "politicized version" of Dmitry Dranoy’s detention, according to which Dmitry Nikolaevich may have fallen victim to an alleged prolonged conflict between the governor of Yaroslavl Oblast, Mikhail Evraev, and the city mayor, Artem Molchanov. Despite working at the Kirov mayor’s office since 2001, Artem Vladimirovich, two years later, headed the legal department of the Municipal Land Management. Interestingly, both Yaroslavl politicians came to the region from leading positions in the Federal Antimonopoly Service.

      "Probably," as the source "close to the matter" explained, "the investigation will try to 'find kompromat' on Molchanov through Dranoy."