December 05, 2022

Money Laundering, in a Sense


Money Laundering, in a Sense
Your clothes may be clean, but the machine itself isn't. The RussianLife files.

Russian Colonel Ivan Mertvishchev has been charged with corruption after he accepted a washing machine as a bribe from a fellow army officer.

According to reports, Mertvishchev, an employee of the organizational and mobilization department of the Russian army's general staff, contacted a military commissar in charge of a recruiting district in and around Moscow. Mertvishchev told the commissar that he was stopping by for an inspection and said he was inclined to give a poor report to his superiors.

Mertvishchev then implied that the report could be turned to the positive if the commissar and his employees bought him a new washing machine worth at least R70,000 ($1150). The commissar pretended to agree, then turned to federal authorities to report the bribery demand. When Mervishchev appeared to take possession of his machine, he was arrested.

A washing machine is certainly a utilitarian gift. But, remarkably, it's not the oddest bribe we've covered.

You Might Also Like

A Glorious Gazebo
  • October 11, 2021

A Glorious Gazebo

A village in Bashkortostan has opened a new gazebo as a gathering place for the community, and photos certainly make it look welcoming.
Who Fishes for Fishers?
  • August 20, 2021

Who Fishes for Fishers?

A court has found two men guilty of poaching—men whose job it is to prevent the poaching of fish.
Yes, Dumplings are Still Bribes
  • December 11, 2020

Yes, Dumplings are Still Bribes

A police chief in Novosibirsk has been convicted of corruption charges after accepting Caucasian dumplings as brides.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955