A large-scale corruption scheme in the export of dairy products to Russia was uncovered in Belarus, and 26 people were detained, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with the government and governors.
“As a result of operational-search activities, 8 commercial groups were taken into account and established control on favorable terms over the export of products from a number of domestic dairy processing enterprises to Russia,” he said.
In particular, he announced the involvement of representatives of the Babushkina Krynka enterprise in criminal schemes, Interfax reports.
“I just took Grandma’s Krynka. But you will answer everything. Moreover, you will answer harshly,” Lukashenko warned officials.
He called the distinctive feature of the scheme the presence of Belarusian companies under controlled business entities in Russia, which made it possible to sell products with a minimal margin, and then sell the goods to the end consumer at a higher price, underestimating the tax base. Through bribery, individual businessmen received the right of priority distribution of dairy products (butter, cheeses, other dairy products) in their favor with the possibility of purchasing at a price below the established indicative.
“The information received showed that the implementation of the scheme could not be carried out without the participation of officials of enterprises and government agencies. (…) Members of the government also shine there. I’m not giving names while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.
“I instructed the Chairman of the Committee (state security) to rewrite everyone, all property, and there is immeasurable property there. Everything should be confiscated to the state. We see the damage. All property must belong to the state. They became insolent to the extreme,” Lukashenko said.
KGB Chairman Ivan Tertel said that as a result of operational activities, 26 people were detained, and 15 have been arrested so far.
Source: Rosbalt
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