--- title: "Searches at Synergy University and detention of vice-rector: details on the embezzlement case over a state contract" description: "Searches took place at Synergy University regarding an embezzlement case, and Vice-Rector Mikhail Erofeev was detained. The investigation links the case to a 31.5 million ruble state contract; the university denies wrongdoing." date: 2026-11-13T15:28:12.939Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/synergy-university-searches-vice-rector-detention tags: [synergy-university, embezzlement, state-contract, rosmolodezh, russia-education, criminal-case] author: "Roman V." publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Searches at Synergy University and detention of vice-rector: details on the embezzlement case over a state contract ![Logo of Synergy University on a dark background, reflecting the news about the ongoing searches.](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/13/sinergiya-obysk-i-zaderzhanie-prorektora/sinergiya-obysk-i-zaderzhanie-prorektora-1.webp) ## Key Points - Searches were carried out at Synergy University, and Vice-Rector Mikhail Erofeev was detained (REN TV, TASS). - According to the investigation, about 18 million rubles may have been embezzled during the execution of a 31.5 million ruble state contract in 2023 (Kommersant). - The university states that work on two contracts with Rosmolodezh (2023, 2024) was completed on time, and over 50,000 people took the courses. - The university is operating normally, no charges have been filed, and the university does not comment on the vice-rector's detention. On November 13, 2026, investigative actions took place at the Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy" in a criminal case regarding embezzlement, resulting in the detention of the university's vice-rector, Mikhail Erofeev. This was reported by REN TV and TASS, with further details disclosed by Kommersant. According to the publication, Erofeev is suspected of embezzling funds while fulfilling a state contract; as of the time of publication, he was in a temporary detention center. The university confirmed that investigative actions were indeed carried out, but did not officially comment on the vice-rector's detention. ### Investigation's version: 18 million rubles According to Kommersant, the case is linked to a state contract worth 31.5 million rubles, which Synergy received in 2023. According to the investigation's version, the bulk of the work on creating an online professional development course was completed by subcontractors for 13.5 million rubles. Investigators believe that after the work was accepted, the university received the full contract amount, and the remaining 18 million rubles could have been embezzled or squandered by management. An additional circumstance mentioned by the publication is that the resulting educational courses were, according to the investigation, practically unusable. ### University position: work completed, programs 'really worked' Synergy provided a different picture. The university explained that the investigative actions are linked not to one, but to two state contracts concluded with Rosmolodezh in 2023 and 2024. The university insists that work on both contracts was completed on time and that the educational programs created "really worked": according to the university, over 50,000 people completed the training, and over 36,000 received professional development certificates. The university also assured that it is operating normally and cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing that the criminal case was initiated "by fact" rather than against specific employees, and no charges have been brought against anyone. ### What is Synergy Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy" was founded in 1995 on the basis of the Moscow Higher Banking School; it received state accreditation in the mid-2000s. Currently, it is one of the largest private universities in Russia, which makes the resonance surrounding the case of potential embezzlement of state contract funds particularly significant for the educational sector. Thus, as of the time of publication, the key facts—the searches and the detention of the vice-rector—are confirmed by several independent media outlets, while the characterization of the actions as embezzlement remains an investigation theory that the university disputes. The final legal assessment will depend on the course of the investigation and the court's position. ## Accounts differ ### Volume and outcome of work under Rosmolodezh state contract(s) - **Investigation (according to Kommersant):** Subcontractors did the main work on the 31.5 million ruble contract for 13.5 million; the university received the full amount, about 18 million could have been embezzled, and the courses were useless. ([meduza.io](https://meduza.io/news/2026/11/13/v-universitete-sinergiya-proshel-obysk-po-delu-o-hischenii-zaderzhali-prorektora-v-samom-vuze-uveryayut-chto-obvinyaemyh-v-dele-net)) - **Synergy University:** Actions relate to two contracts with Rosmolodezh (2023 and 2024), work was completed on time, programs "really worked": over 50,000 people completed training. ([meduza.io](https://meduza.io/news/2026/11/13/v-universitete-sinergiya-proshel-obysk-po-delu-o-hischenii-zaderzhali-prorektora-v-samom-vuze-uveryayut-chto-obvinyaemyh-v-dele-net)) *Where they agree:* The existence of a 2023 state contract with Rosmolodezh and the execution of investigative actions at the university are acknowledged by both sides. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [В университете «Синергия» прошел обыск по делу о хищении, задержали проректора. В самом вузе уверяют, что обвиняемых в деле нет](https://meduza.io/news/2026/11/13/v-universitete-sinergiya-proshel-obysk-po-delu-o-hischenii-zaderzhali-prorektora-v-samom-vuze-uveryayut-chto-obvinyaemyh-v-dele-net) - Confirms the fact of the searches, the detention of Vice-Rector Mikhail Erofeev, the investigation's version regarding the 31.5 million ruble contract and 18 million rubles, as well as the university's position on the two contracts with Rosmolodezh and the absence of formal charges. ## FAQ ### Who was detained at Synergy University? Vice-Rector Mikhail Erofeev was detained; according to Kommersant, he is in a temporary detention center. The university did not officially comment on the detention. ### What is the accusation according to the investigation? According to the investigation, during the execution of a 2023 contract worth 31.5 million rubles, subcontractors did the main work for 13.5 million, and management could have embezzled the remaining 18 million. The university states no charges have been brought. ### How does the university comment on the situation? Synergy claims the actions relate to two Rosmolodezh contracts (2023 and 2024), work was completed on time, over 50,000 people finished the programs, and the university is cooperating with the investigation.