Fired Russian Transport Minister Found Dead
Roman Starovoit, former Russian Minister of Transport and ex-Governor of Kursk Region, was found dead on July 7, 2025, in the Odintsovo district near Moscow. His body, with a gunshot wound to the head, was discovered near his Tesla parked by Malevich Park. The preliminary investigation points to suicide, reportedly with a ceremonial pistol. Starovoit had last communicated with his family two days earlier, after briefly attending his daughter’s sports event in a visibly depressed state.
Starovoit’s death followed his unexpected dismissal by President Vladimir Putin earlier that day. The official decree did not cite a loss of trust, but the move came amid growing scrutiny over corruption in the Kursk Region. Andrey Nikitin, former Governor of Novgorod Region, was immediately appointed as acting Minister of Transport. The timing of Starovoit’s dismissal and subsequent suicide fueled speculation about the pressures he faced.
Central to the case is a major fraud investigation concerning the construction of defensive structures in Kursk Region. Between 2022 and 2023, 19.4 billion rubles (approximately $246.5 million USD) were allocated for these projects, but a significant portion was allegedly embezzled. Alexey Smirnov, Starovoit’s former deputy and successor as governor, was arrested on suspicion of fraud involving 1 billion rubles (about $12.7 million USD). Sources suggest Smirnov’s testimony may have implicated Starovoit, intensifying the legal and personal pressure on him.
In the days before his death, Starovoit’s actions suggested distress and possible preparations for major changes. His family’s luxury home in Myakinino had been listed for sale in May 2025 for 260 million rubles (around $3.3 million USD). After visiting his daughter on July 5, he returned home, took his pistol, and drove to the site where he ended his life. Forensic experts collected evidence at the scene, and police reviewed surveillance footage as part of the ongoing investigation.