Putin war hero, the ‘Executioner,’ exposed as ringleader of $2.5M scam that had his Russian elite troops shoot him, each other to get paid
A highly decorated Russian officer nicknamed “The Executioner” is at the center of a massive fraud scandal after investigators uncovered that he ordered fellow soldiers to shoot him so he could avoid combat and collect financial compensation.
Lt. Col. Konstantin Frolov, a sniper in the elite 83rd Air Assault Brigade, reportedly instructed 35 troops under his command to stage fake injuries — including firing at one another — in a ploy to claim nearly $2.5 million in benefits from the Russian government, according to a probe detailed by Russian newspaper Kommersant.
Frolov, once touted as a national hero, had claimed to have killed dozens of Ukrainian soldiers and survived seven combat injuries. He was celebrated in Russian state media, even appearing in videos professing his devotion to duty and recounting dramatic — now discredited — battlefield stories, including one where he claimed to have rescued and adopted a young girl injured by Ukrainian shelling.
“‘The Executioner’ is a sniper. He does not want to return home without a victory,” the Russian Defense Ministry had previously posted on Telegram.
The scheme began to unravel in June 2024 when a whistleblower alerted authorities. Frolov ultimately admitted to orchestrating the plot, instructing soldiers to avoid vital areas when shooting at him and others. He quickly cooperated with prosecutors, reportedly implicating his entire unit to secure a plea deal.
In exchange for their self-inflicted wounds, the soldiers received around 3 million rubles each (approximately $40,000) and time off from frontline duties. These injuries also helped them qualify for medals recognizing bravery, further enhancing the false narrative.
Frolov had been awarded four Orders of Courage and two medals for valor — honors now under scrutiny. He currently faces charges of large-scale fraud, bribery, and illegal weapons trafficking.
Despite requesting a return to combat, Frolov has reportedly been denied. His once-celebrated military legacy now appears to be built on lies.
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