One of Russias most decorated battlefield heroes was unmasked as the alleged mastermind of a brazen fraud scheme in which elite soldiers allegedly shot themselves and even their own commander to collect lucrative combat injury payouts, according to local reports.Investigators allege that Lt. Col. Konstantin Frolov nicknamed"the Executioner" for his sniper skills not only fabricated his heroic acts but also helped his troops siphon nearly $2.5 million in a sweeping military fraud scheme, according to the Russian newspaperKommersant.The outlet said a former brigade commander, Artem Gorodilov, was also implicated in the case.At least 35 officers in Russias elite unit, the prestigious 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade, reportedly sat out of combat and collected almost $40,000 each, the outlet reported.'FAT LEONARD' MASTERMIND BEHIND LARGEST CORRUPTION SCANDAL IN US MILITARY HISTORY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARSFrolov has been revered throughout President Vladimir Putins three-year war in Ukraine, boasting of surviving five minor and two serious wounds, Kommersant reported, adding that his alleged bravery earned him four "Orders of Courage" one of Russias highest honors along with two additional medals for valor.Investigators now allege those wounds were staged. Frolov ultimately admitted he had ordered his soldiers toshoot him deliberately, ensuring bullets missed his vital organs, according to the Russian report.NAVY'S FORMER SECOND-IN-COMMAND CONVICTED IN HISTORIC CORRUPTION CASEThe scandal erupted last summer when a whistleblower alerted authorities, Kommersant reported. Frolov was arrested inJune 2024, followed by Gorodilov a month later, the outlet said, adding that both now face charges of fraud.In addition, Frolov reportedly kept three captured pistols, a machine gun, magazines with ammunition, several mines and grenades, according to Kommersant. The colonel has been accused of bribery and illegal trafficking in weapons and ammunition, the outlet reported.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAccording to open data, Gorodilov was also charged with fraud on an "especially large scale," the outlet reported.