Russian Officer Hailed as Hero Now Accused of Orchestrating Self-Harm Scheme for Battle Payouts

In a startling reversal of fortune, a Russian military officer previously celebrated as a war hero now faces serious allegations of orchestrating a widespread self-injury scheme among his troops, Russian military authorities revealed Tuesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Evgeny Masharov, who had been prominently featured in state media as an exemplar of battlefield courage during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is accused of leading more than 30 soldiers and military medics in a plot to secure combat injury compensation fraudulently.

According to military investigators, Masharov allegedly instructed subordinates to inflict gunshot wounds on themselves or their comrades to simulate combat injuries. These self-inflicted wounds would then qualify the soldiers for substantial government payments typically reserved for those legitimately wounded in battle.

The investigation has sent shockwaves through Russia’s military establishment, where Masharov had been repeatedly highlighted in propaganda efforts as a symbol of Russian military prowess. State television had featured numerous segments about his supposed heroism on the Ukrainian front, presenting him as a model officer leading troops with distinction.

Military compensation for combat injuries in Russia has increased significantly since the invasion began in February 2022. Soldiers who sustain wounds in battle can receive payments equivalent to several years’ worth of typical Russian salaries, creating a powerful financial incentive for the alleged scheme.

“This case represents a profound betrayal of trust,” said a military prosecutor speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. “Not only did these actions undermine combat readiness, but they diverted resources meant for genuinely wounded servicemen.”

The fraud allegedly involved medical personnel who provided false documentation certifying that the self-inflicted wounds were received during combat operations. Investigators claim this sophisticated deception allowed dozens of soldiers to receive compensation payments before authorities detected the pattern.

Military sources indicate the scheme began to unravel when hospital administrators noticed inconsistencies in wound patterns and circumstances reported by Masharov’s unit. Subsequent investigation revealed communication between participants discussing methods of self-injury that would appear combat-related.

The case highlights growing morale issues within some segments of Russia’s military as the conflict in Ukraine continues into its third year. Reports of desertion, self-harm, and contract disputes have increased, though Russian authorities typically downplay such incidents or attribute them to isolated cases of misconduct.

Defense analysts suggest the incident reflects broader challenges facing Russia’s military leadership.

“When officers resort to organizing schemes like this, it speaks to fundamental problems with command structure and unit cohesion,” explained Dmitri Alperovitch, chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator and a security expert who follows the conflict closely. “It’s particularly damaging when it involves a figure previously held up as exemplary.”

Russian military tribunals are known for their severity in cases involving dereliction of duty or fraudulent activities. If convicted, Masharov and his co-conspirators could face lengthy prison terms in addition to dishonorable discharge from military service.

The Kremlin has remained notably silent on the case, with state media outlets that previously celebrated Masharov now avoiding mention of the investigation. This approach aligns with Russia’s broader information strategy of minimizing negative stories about military performance while continuing to portray the war effort in a positive light.

For ordinary Russians, who have endured economic hardship partly resulting from international sanctions, the case represents a troubling example of corruption within institutions citizens are repeatedly urged to trust unquestioningly.

The scandal emerges as Russia continues offensive operations in eastern Ukraine while defending against Ukrainian incursions into Russia’s Kursk region, adding another layer of complexity to the Kremlin’s efforts to maintain public support for the prolonged conflict.

Military prosecutors have indicated more arrests may follow as the investigation continues into what appears to be one of the most significant fraud cases to emerge from Russia’s war in Ukraine.