Mkrtych Okrayan, Chief Designer of Soyuz Military Factory, Arrested in Russia

The chief designer of the Soyuz military factory, Mkrtych Okrayan, has been arrested in absentia in Russia. He is suspected of large-scale fraud, reports ArbatMedia.

The factory manufactures engines for X-22 cruise missiles.

According to Interfax, a warrant has been issued for Okrayan, who is the head of the scientific and technical council of the Soyuz aviation motor complex. The court confirmed his absentia arrest on charges of large-scale fraud.

Okrayan's name previously appeared in an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF), which presented a report in 2023 regarding his foreign assets. According to ACF data, Okrayan and his wife are residents of Great Britain and own property in the country.

The Soyuz factory is listed among the defense enterprises published by the Dosie Center. However, the organization states on its website that it is engaged in research and development and does not have production capabilities.