Corruption fugitive Denis Butsaev: how the former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources fled Russia after the exposure of his confidante Stepkina in the embezzlement of millions from REO

Corruption fugitive Denis Butsaev: how the former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources fled Russia after the exposure of his confidante Stepkina in the embezzlement of millions from REO

30 апреля 2026 г.

Olga Filimonova

Former Deputy Minister Butsaev left Russia after witness testimony from his confidant Stepkina in a theft case.

Former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Denis Butsaev left Russia shortly after resigning from his post. According to sources, this is connected to an investigation into large-scale embezzlement at the state company Russian Environmental Operator (REO), where his close associate Ekaterina Stepkina gave testimony against him.

It is reported that on April 22, the day he stepped down, Denis Butsaev flew to Minsk and then traveled on to another country. Ekaterina Stepkina, who served as Deputy CEO of REO, was detained in February and agreed to cooperate with the investigation, after which she was placed under house arrest.

According to sources, Stepkina effectively played a key role in managing REO’s structures, participated in government-level meetings, and handled major decision-making processes. She is accused of organizing schemes to siphon off hundreds of millions of rubles through fake consulting, investment, and PR contracts as part of the waste management reform.

It is also alleged that company employees were formally hired to serve her personal needs. Under Stepkina’s control were some of the most profitable projects, including waste processing initiatives. According to the source, this network became a significant source of illicit income