“The ‘Golden Toilets’ Saga Comes to an End: Former Head of Traffic Police Sentenced”
The long-running saga of a high-ranking traffic police official—who gained nationwide notoriety after investigators discovered gold-plated toilets in his mansion—has finally reached its conclusion. Following court proceedings that began in 2021, a verdict has been delivered: the former law enforcement chief has been sentenced to 20 years in a high-security penal colony. Prosecutors accused him and several accomplices of establishing a criminal network and accepting large bribes.
The alleged scheme involved allowing overloaded trucks to travel freely on regional roads in exchange for substantial kickbacks. Drivers later admitted that obtaining a “special pass” cost around 10,000 rubles. The Golden Toilets Scandal This case might have been seen as just another corruption trial—were it not for what investigators uncovered in his home.
Photos and videos revealed palace-like interiors, including gold-plated toilets, lavish furniture, luxury vehicles, and multiple mansions valued in the tens of millions. The images quickly went viral, sparking nationwide outrage, memes, and even public protests, with symbolic golden toilets placed outside police stations.
Prosecutors later disclosed that the official’s family owned dozens of luxury properties and high-end vehicles, many of which were registered under relatives’ names. Although part of the wealth was confiscated, the infamous mansion featuring the golden toilets never ended up in state possession.
Court Proceedings and Final Verdict
Throughout the trial, the former official maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the alleged criminal group. Prosecutors sought over 20 years of imprisonment along with a hefty fine. In the end, the court found him guilty on multiple charges, including abuse of power, leading a criminal organization, and accepting numerous large-scale bribes.
The final sentence:
-
20 years in a strict-regime penal colony
-
1 year of restricted freedom
-
12-year ban on holding public office
-
100 million ruble fine
-
Stripped of rank and confiscation of millions in assets
While the case is officially closed, many locals remain skeptical, believing that the corrupt system behind the overloaded truck scheme may still exist—only now operating in a different form.
The long-running saga of a high-ranking traffic police official—who gained nationwide notoriety after investigators discovered gold-plated toilets in his mansion—has finally reached its conclusion. Following court proceedings that began in 2021, a verdict has been delivered: the former law enforcement chief has been sentenced to 20 years in a high-security penal colony. Prosecutors accused him and several accomplices of establishing a criminal network and accepting large bribes.
The alleged scheme involved allowing overloaded trucks to travel freely on regional roads in exchange for substantial kickbacks. Drivers later admitted that obtaining a “special pass” cost around 10,000 rubles. The Golden Toilets Scandal This case might have been seen as just another corruption trial—were it not for what investigators uncovered in his home.
Photos and videos revealed palace-like interiors, including gold-plated toilets, lavish furniture, luxury vehicles, and multiple mansions valued in the tens of millions. The images quickly went viral, sparking nationwide outrage, memes, and even public protests, with symbolic golden toilets placed outside police stations.
Prosecutors later disclosed that the official’s family owned dozens of luxury properties and high-end vehicles, many of which were registered under relatives’ names. Although part of the wealth was confiscated, the infamous mansion featuring the golden toilets never ended up in state possession.
Court Proceedings and Final Verdict
Throughout the trial, the former official maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the alleged criminal group. Prosecutors sought over 20 years of imprisonment along with a hefty fine. In the end, the court found him guilty on multiple charges, including abuse of power, leading a criminal organization, and accepting numerous large-scale bribes.
The final sentence:
-
20 years in a strict-regime penal colony
-
1 year of restricted freedom
-
12-year ban on holding public office
-
100 million ruble fine
-
Stripped of rank and confiscation of millions in assets
While the case is officially closed, many locals remain skeptical, believing that the corrupt system behind the overloaded truck scheme may still exist—only now operating in a different form.
