Former UUNiT Vice-Rector Sent to Prison for Extorting Subordinates

A former vice-rector at Ufa University of Science and Technology (UUNiT) has been sentenced to five years in a penal colony for extorting money from subordinates, promising bonuses in exchange for overlooking violations.

Jan 27, 2026

Yangirov looked untroubled in court, according to the image provided by the prosecutor«s office.
Source:
Bashkortostan Prosecutor«s Office

Former vice-rector of Ufa University of Science and Technology (UUNiT) Azat Yangirov has been sentenced in a case of extortion from subordinates — the court sent him to a colony for five years. Initially, he was charged with bribery, but later it was changed to abuse of authority. Here is what is known about his case.

According to the investigation, in 2020–2023, when Yangirov headed the «Institute for Education Development», he demanded money from his subordinates. In return, he promised to turn a blind eye to violations and shortcomings, and also promised to regularly pay bonuses.

As reported by the Bashkortostan prosecutor«s office, seven people were dependent on Yangirov, giving him from 15,000 to 33,000 rubles (approximately $150 to $330 at current rates) each, and in total over three years, nearly 2 million rubles (about $20,000 at current rates) accumulated.

Then Azat Yangirov moved to work at UUNiT. In May 2024, law enforcement officers came to his home: when he saw the special forces, he tried to close the door on them. It didn«t work — they forced it open. The investigation lasted almost a year, and the trial another nine months.

«By the court verdict, the defendant was found guilty, and a final punishment of five years of imprisonment to be served in a general regime correctional colony was imposed,» reported the United Press Service of the Courts.

After release, he will be banned from holding leadership positions in educational organizations for two years.

Recall that Azat Yangirov was previously awarded the title «Excellent Student of Education of the Republic of Bashkortostan» and had honorary certificates.

According to the 2021 anti-corruption declaration, Yangirov owned land of 959 square meters (approximately 10,324 square feet), a house of 175.3 square meters (about 1,887 square feet). He also had use of a plot of 1,800 square meters (roughly 19,375 square feet), a house of 118.7 square meters (around 1,278 square feet), and an apartment with an area of 87 square meters (approximately 937 square feet). His official income was 2.2 million rubles (about $22,000 at current rates).