Four months after resigning as governor of the Sverdlovsk region, Evgeny Kuyvashev’s future remains uncertain amid rumors of potential involvement in corruption cases. Despite speculation about his arrest or appointment to a federal position, Kuyvashev is officially unemployed and residing in the Moscow region.

Rumors of Kuyvashev’s arrest surfaced shortly after his resignation on March 26, fueled by Telegram channels alleging his involvement in a criminal case, possibly related to economic offenses or the case of arrested former Minister of Housing and Communal Services, Nikolai Smirnov. These reports varied regarding the location of the alleged detention, with some claiming it occurred in Moscow and others in Yekaterinburg.

Kuyvashev himself has refuted the arrest rumors. He declined to comment on the anonymous Telegram channel messages in the spring. Recently, a photo of Kuyvashev was published by a charity fund director, depicting the former governor in good spirits.

Sources indicate that Kuyvashev is not officially a defendant in any criminal cases, but suggest that he has been questioned as a witness in the Smirnov case. Allegedly, Smirnov made a pre-trial agreement and testified against several current officials, as well as the former governor.

Following Kuyvashev’s departure, several officials also resigned, including the head of the regional anti-corruption department, the Minister of Investment and Development, the Minister of Health and his deputies, and the Deputy Governor for Social Issues. While most of the government remained intact, Governor Denis Pasler has appointed his own proteges to key positions. The post of Minister of Housing and Communal Services and Energy remains vacant.

The official gubernatorial elections in the Sverdlovsk region are scheduled for September 12 to 14. The changes in power in the region are being closely monitored.