The former head of the Arkhangelsk Ministry of Health was unable to appeal his arrest.

"The Arkhangelsk Regional Court, taking into account the position of the regional and autonomous okrug prosecutor's offices, upheld the court's ruling and dismissed the defendant's lawyer's appeal, arguing for the suspect's release," the regional prosecutor's office reported.

Alexander Gershtansky headed the Arkhangelsk Region Ministry of Health since November 2020. He announced his resignation on September 19, 2025. The former official wrote on his personal social media page that the decision to leave his position was not an easy one.

"These five years have been a time of enormous challenges, intense work, and, I'm confident, the development of healthcare in Pomorye. We've weathered the harsh trials of the pandemic, mobilized all our strength, and proven that our healthcare system is a strong, reliable shield for every resident of the region," Gershtansky said, promising to share his experience with the new head of the agency.

The regional prosecutor's office later announced the former Minister of Health's arrest. The case was opened by the Investigative Department of the FSB Directorate for the Arkhangelsk Region. On September 21, the Lomonosov District Court ordered Gershtansky remanded in custody until November 19, 2025. The decision was based on the gravity of the charges, Gershtansky's lack of registration in the Arkhangelsk Region, and his possession of a foreign passport. The judge also found that the defendant had the potential to flee or influence witnesses.

Tatyana Rusinova was appointed acting head of the Arkhangelsk Region Ministry of Health on September 20. Since 2018, she served as Deputy Minister and Head of the Arkhangelsk Region Healthcare Organization Department.