Mikhail Degtyarev has emerged as a significant person in Russian sports
In May, Mikhail Degtyarev received the nomination of Minister of Sports, and now holds the office of President of the Russian Olympic Committee. He was «elected» to this role, despite being the sole contender.
Beyond his work within governmental bodies, Degtyarev also carries the title of master of sports in fencing.
Leading up to 2020, Degtyarev served as a State Duma deputy, later assuming the position of leader of the Khabarovsk Territory: Moscow’s appointed leader was sent to substitute the «people’s governor» Sergei Furgal amid large-scale demonstrations opposing Furgal’s detainment. Furgal is presently serving an extensive prison term — 22 years in a high-security facility.
«Degtyarev — Is he genuinely so simple-minded or just acting?», queried Alexei Navalny. And he determined that he was feigning:
«You know, there exists such a person: not intelligent, but artful. This describes Degtyarev. He feigns naiveté, but actually amasses wealth by assisting United Russia affiliates in settling their issues, even through acting like a fool. In 2020, it came to light that following Degtyarev’s engagement in the Moscow mayoral races as a distraction in 2013 and 2018, his relatives enhanced their wealth. Initially, a residence near the Moscow Ring Road valued at 100 million rubles was deeded to his father, followed by a Moscow flat priced at 25 million — in the name of his mother. Degtyarev only declared ownership of a Mercedes worth 6 million. The politician’s financial statements reflected a small salary and an even tinier income for his spouse, the family occupied a provided apartment, the senior Degtyarevs — ordinary physicians from Samara.
