The arguments in the criminal case of Sergey Efimov, former head of the research institute-1 of the FSB of Russia, and accountant Marina Khalandach, have concluded in the Reutov Garrison Military Court, Kommersant reports. The military prosecutor requested 13 years in prison for the lieutenant colonel, a fine of 2 million rubles, and deprivation of his military rank. For his accomplice, 9 years in prison and a similar fine.
The investigation believes that during the development of the prototype of the Obereg anti-drone system and the experimental models Obereg-22 and Obereg-23, the defendants deliberately inflated the prices of components. The overspending amounted to 12 million rubles, which, according to the prosecution, was stolen. The defendants do not admit guilt and insist on acquittal.
The criminal case was initiated in October 2024. Component supplier Alexey Sokolov pleaded guilty, entered into a pre-trial agreement, and received a suspended sentence. During the investigation, a commodity expert examination confirmed the amount of damage.
The defense of the defendants claims that the state defense order was fulfilled on time, and the Obereg-24 product itself showed high efficiency. Representatives of the border troops in court confirmed that such electronic warfare means are extremely necessary. According to the defendants, the overspending arose because private companies refused to supply components to the developers, fearing EU sanctions, and parts had to be purchased through intermediaries who inflated the price.
Obereg is a family of compact mobile FPV drone suppressors with autonomous operation from a built-in battery. The device suppresses quadcopter control within a radius of 50 to 500 meters, depending on terrain conditions and operator distance. The case is ongoing, and no verdict has been issued yet.