He and his family dispute the allegations that he stole almost three million roubles ($32,000; £24,000) from a Novosibirsk football club where he served as managing director.
The 62-year-old Perlov earned the gold medal in the 1992 Olympics in the 50-kilometer race walk.
According to his relatives, he has been in custody for over six months and is under duress to consent to fighting in Ukraine. In exchange, he has been informed that the embezzlement case against him would be put on hold and may even be dropped after the war is over.
Getty Pictures In 1992, Andrey Perlov, dressed in blue and white, stood on the podium at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
The runners that finished second and third in the race are on his left and right.Getty Pictures
At the Olympics in Barcelona, Andrey Perlov (center) took home a gold medal.
Prisoners have undoubtedly been enlisted to fight in Ukraine, but a study shows how the original emphasis on convicted criminals has changed to include those who have not yet been put on trial.
Both defense and prosecution attorneys are now required by law to advise those accused of the majority of offenses that they have the choice to go to war rather than appear in court.
The law, which was passed in March 2024, states that any investigation and prosecution will cease if they sign up. Usually, their cases will be concluded entirely at this.
