Vladimir Kekhman, the director of the Moscow Art Theater (MKhAT), is now facing bribery charges after a new case was opened by the Investigative Committee. He is accused of accepting a bribe of 27 million rubles.

The criminal case, initiated on July 28, falls under Part 6 of Article 290 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to receiving a bribe on a particularly large scale. Marat Karginov, General Director of RSK-Renaissance, the theater’s contracting company, also faces charges of giving a bribe, under Article 291.

The charges stem from an incident in 2022, where Karginov allegedly paid 27 million rubles for a Mercedes V-class for Kekhman. The vehicle was registered to one of Karginov’s companies.

Authorities previously searched Karginov’s construction company offices and a country house linked to Kekhman’s family on July 9. Kekhman was initially charged with embezzlement and released on his own recognizance.

Investigators visited the Avtodom Pulkovo dealership on July 22, seizing documentation for two Mercedes vehicles. One was purchased by Karginov, and the other, a G-class, was linked to Kekhman’s associate.

The Investigative Committee alleges that Kekhman has been using the Mercedes purchased by Karginov since 2022. They believe the vehicle was part of informal payments from Karginov to Kekhman in exchange for construction contracts at Ministry of Culture facilities.

RSK-Renaissance, Karginov’s company, is currently involved in restoring the Stock Exchange and the directorate office of the Cultural Forum, headed by Kekhman.

Both Kekhman and Karginov were interrogated on July 29. Kekhman was charged with receiving a bribe but was released without any travel restrictions. Karginov was also released after questioning.

In addition to the Mercedes involved in the bribery case, authorities have seized other assets, including another Mercedes, a Range Rover, and a country house belonging to Kekhman’s family.