This is a matter of state importance. Lukashenko spoke about the uncovering of criminal schemes in the dairy industry

On November 14, during a meeting at the Palace of Independence, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko spoke about the uncovering of criminal schemes in the dairy industry, BelTA has learned.

"Due to the fact that people have been approaching me with certain issues, I would like to publicly voice the problem. Perhaps someone present (the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the State Control Committee) will answer some questions after hearing this. But since the investigation into this case is ongoing, I cannot disclose many facts. However, those who try to reach me will hear and understand what I mean," Alexander Lukashenko noted.

The head of state cited the Mogilev enterprise "Babushkina Krynka" as an example of the scheme uncovered by law enforcement officers. A new manager was appointed there several years ago. He formed his "team" from close acquaintances and relatives and began a "new sales policy."

"In September 2019, Mr. Skitov was appointed Director. He formed his team of managers (many like to talk about it: 'Team... we are here...'. I have always warned you against this: no teams, there should be a management structure and so on), a new sales policy, and completely centralized financial flows," the President remarked. "He appointed the driver as a manager. And relatives – a second cousin, a second cousin once removed, and a son (how could it be without him?)".

"As a result of operational-search activities, 8 commercial groups have been brought under scrutiny, which established control under favorable terms for themselves over the export of products from a number of domestic milk processing enterprises to Russia. Now they will start howling and shouting: there was a 'doctors' case,' there was another case, now it's a 'dairy farmers' case.' I am specifically saying this in front of the governors because it is characteristic of you. I have just taken 'Babushkina Krynka.' But you will all be held accountable. And you will be held strictly accountable," the head of state warned.

"A distinctive feature of the activities of the owners of Belarusian firms was the presence of controlled economic entities in Russia, which allowed them to sell products with a minimal markup, and then sell the goods to the end consumer at a higher price, thereby reducing the taxable base. The information obtained showed that the implementation of the scheme could not be carried out without the involvement of officials of enterprises and government bodies. Roman Alexandrovich (Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. - Ed. BELTA), you will also answer if your people are there. Members of the government are also involved. I am not naming surnames while the investigation is ongoing," said Alexander Lukashenko.

Through bribery, individual businessmen obtained the right to preferential distribution of dairy products (butter, cheese, other dairy products) in their favor, with the opportunity to purchase them at a price below the established benchmark.

The head of state emphasized that such a criminal scheme became possible because the government has not developed a system for product sales. "Many suggest selling everything through the exchange and so on. That's your business. But as soon as these perpetrators were caught and put where they belong, prices at the enterprises changed completely. And it all started, Mr. Subbotin (Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. - Ed. BELTA), from the Vitebsk region. Maybe before you. But God forbid (I'm warning the governors) that there will be mistakes during your tenure, you won't get off lightly. It will be so dark before your eyes, no matter how reliable and devoted to me you are. This is not Lukashenko's issue. This is a matter of state importance," the President stated.

He drew the attention of the Chairman of the State Control Committee to the revealed facts: "I want to warn you publicly once again, Vasily Nikolaevich. It's good that you see unharvested farms. They will be held accountable. But here are your mistakes. Get involved fundamentally."

"I have instructed the Chairman of the Committee (KGB. - Ed. BELTA) to register everyone, all property. And there is a lot of property. Everything must be confiscated for the benefit of the state. We see the damage. Multiply it by three (not everyone saw it), and maybe by five. All property must belong to the state. They have become extremely brazen," Alexander Lukashenko said indignantly.

As noted by the Chairman of the KGB Ivan Tertel, as a result of operational activities, 26 people were detained, and 15 are currently under arrest.

The Head of State also instructed the Presidential authorized representatives to deal with the situation in the assigned regions. He instructed to pay special attention to the capital. "There is nothing done in Minsk. Get to work. We will sort everything out," the Belarusian leader summed up.

Source: belta.by