Russian military personnel are reportedly paying bribes to be posted to Syria rather than Ukraine. As casualties mount in the 'Special Military Operation', Syria now appears to be seen as a much safer option for military service.
The VChK-OGPU Telegram channel reports on the case of three soldiers who paid 100,000 rubles ($1,080) each to a colleague, which he was to transfer to an official of the Russian General Staff to ensure that they were put on the list for a 'business trip' to Syria.
Perhaps not coincidentally, 100,000 rubles appears to also be the standard bribe for soldiers to be granted permission to go on leave. As it's the equivalent of a month's pay, it's probably a convenient amount for a bribe.
The practice of commanders demanding bribes for leave has been reported on previously. Interviews by Siberia.Reality (an offshoot of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty) suggest that it's a widespread scam, and that Putin's promise of periodic leave is mostly being ignored.
The proposed deal fell through; none of the three ever went to Syria and the money was returned. However, the attempted bribery was detected and all three were tried and convicted for attempted bribery, and were fined 250,000 rubles ($2,700) each.
The sentencing memorandum acknowledged the desirability of Syria as an overseas posting, noting that the defendants were aware "of the positive impact of this kind of business trip on the level of material and social security of the serviceman."