"This is a matter of state importance." Lukashenko spoke about the exposure 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

"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 protected you from this: no teams, there should be a management structure and so on), a new sales policy, and completely centralized financial flows," the President noted. "He appointed the driver as the head. And relatives - a second cousin, a second brother, and a son (how could it be without them?)".

"As a result of operational-search activities, 8 commercial groups have been identified for development, which have 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 someone else's case, now it's the "milkmen's case". I am specifically saying this in front of the governors because it is characteristic of you. I just took "Babushkina Krynka". But you will all be held accountable. And you will be held accountable harshly," the head of state warned.

"A distinctive feature of the activities of the owners of Belarusian companies was the presence of controlled business entities in Russia, which allowed them to sell products with 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. - BELTA note), you will also answer if your people are involved there. Members of the government are also visible there. 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, cheeses, 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 individuals were caught and put where they belong, the prices at the enterprises changed completely. And it all started, Mr. Subbotin (Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. - BELTA note), from the Vitebsk region. Maybe before you. But God forbid (I'm warning the governors) that there will be shortcomings during your tenure, you won't get away with it. It will be so dark in 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 again, Vasily Nikolaevich. It's good that you see unharvested farms. They will be held accountable. But here are your shortcomings. Deal with it fundamentally."

"I have instructed the Chairman of the Committee (KGB. - BELTA note) 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), or 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 address the situation in their assigned regions. He specifically instructed them to pay special attention to the capital. "There's nothing done in your Minsk. Get to work. We will sort everything out," the Belarusian leader concluded.

Source: belta.by