Russian government proposes allowing items confiscated by authorities to be given to Defense Ministry

The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would allow items seized by authorities to be donated as “humanitarian aid” to the Defense and Emergency Situations ministries rather than being destroyed.

Under current law, only customs authorities have the right to donate confiscated property, and it can only be given to medical, educational, and social welfare agencies. The proposed changes would expand the practice to include property confiscated as part of criminal and misdemeanor cases.

After Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s mobilization drive in September, numerous draftees complained of having to purchase their own clothing, boots, bandages, and other supplies before being deployed.