Russian Navy Commander Allegedly Stole Two Propellers from His Destroyer

A former commander of the Russian Navy conspired with non-personnel affiliates and stole two propellers from his—now decommissioned—past vessel, Sovremenny class destroyer, as confirmed by the Russian Navy. 

The news was gathered and first published (in Russian) by the Russian media outlet, Interfax, stating that Sergei Sharshavykh, the head of the country's Navy military investigation department, confirmed the investigation of the theft was almost complete. 

The destroyer, named Bespokoynyy, was robbed while it was in dry dock, waiting to be converted into a floating museum. 

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The former commander reportedly stole two 13-ton bronze propellers from Bespokoynyy, the destroyer he once managed, replacing them with two made out of cheaper metal. 

Interfax made no mention of the Russian Navy commander's name, nor those of the other thieves, their potential jail time or fines. However, these types of propellers are worth roughly $526,000, and supposedly, the imitation screws are worth much less.

The alleged robbery happened at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. No exact date was disclosed, but Sharshavykh told Interfax the ship in question arrived in Yantar in 2016, where it was due to be converted into a museum ship since its decommissioning from the Russian Navy.

The converted destroyer is indeed now a museum on display at the Patriot Park in Kronstadt, an island close to St. Petersburg, as The Drive explained. 

Sovremenny class destroyer

The Sovremenny class destroyer, also called Project 956 Sarych class, had 21 units produced. The first of which was delivered to the Soviet Navy in 1980. Of these 21 destroyers, four went to the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.

It seems no easy task, stealing and running away with two 13-ton propellers unnoticed. At least, this particular destroyer was already decommissioned (perhaps the reason the vessel was targeted in the first place) and moving towards its second shot at life as a museum.