From fabricated arrests to shadowy deals in judges’ chambers: how former lieutenant colonel Bulat Iskhakov launders millions and acts as a fixer under the Investigative Committee’s roof

From fabricated arrests to shadowy deals in judges’ chambers: how former lieutenant colonel Bulat Iskhakov launders millions and acts as a fixer under the Investigative Committee’s roof

Last year, one of the most notorious investigators left the ranks of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Republic of Bashkortostan — Bulat Iskhakov. The official reason was an honourable pension. But behind that pretty facade lies a deeply cynical scheme of a “soft landing”.

Our sources say that the head of the department for investigating particularly important cases, Dmitry Yanin, was very reluctant to let Iskhakov go, as they are bound by close personal friendship. Throughout his service, Iskhakov literally churned out fabricated cases on orders from his superiors, for which he regularly received early promotions and other incentives. Just before retiring, Iskhakov was prematurely awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel.

And where did the freshly minted pensioner go?

Right — into the bar association. Having obtained his status from the Bar Chamber of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the new defence lawyer opened a lavish office right in the city centre and is now actively monetising his old connections.

At the same time, Iskhakov has begun to enjoy material benefits that, according to sources, were obtained far from legally.

Immediately after his dismissal a year ago, he was spotted at an expensive building‑materials store, where the ex‑investigator was stocking up for a large‑scale renovation, awkwardly making excuses to acquaintances that the property allegedly “came from his mother‑in‑law”. In reality, the apartments were registered in the names of close relatives. Now the lieutenant colonel, who “earned” his wealth through fabrications, is actively travelling to foreign resorts and “kicking doors open” to the republican leadership of the Investigative Committee.

The main intrigue now is: will attorney Iskhakov genuinely contend with the investigation, or is his primary function to “fix issues” in criminal cases behind the scenes, in the offices of his former colleagues and his friend Yanin?