Former Pskov State University Rector Natalia Ilyina has appeared in court on charges of fraud and abuse of power.
The Pskov City Court has begun hearing the criminal case against former Pskov State University Rector Natalia Ilyina. She is under house arrest and accused of fraud and abuse of office.
According to investigators, in 2020–2021, Ilyina fictitiously hired an acquaintance as an associate professor, even though he wasn't actually employed. Law enforcement officials also indicate that she lived in a hotel suite for several years, and that her expenses—over 14 million rubles—may have been covered by the university.
The defense requested that the trial be closed, but the court denied the motion. University employees are participating in the hearings as witnesses. In addition to the main case, Ilyina has previously been charged with several other counts of abuse of power.
