Фото: МВД
Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakou has explained the incidents that Aliaksandr Lukashenka referred to when he accused the Interior Ministry of protecting fuel thieves.
According to Kubrakou, the wrongdoing involved two district police inspectors who have already been dismissed from the police force.
“As for the criticism directed at the internal affairs bodies. Two district police inspectors were found to have independently concluded agreements with the heads of agricultural enterprises and filled their personal vehicles with the enterprises’ fuel, which they certainly had no right to do. Both have been dismissed from the internal affairs bodies.”, Kubrakou said during a videoconference meeting at the Interior Ministry.
“Because of two scoundrels, the entire police force is disgraced today.”, he added.
Kubrakou instructed the Interior Ministry to assist agricultural producers and, if necessary, place district police inspectors on an enhanced duty regime, the Interior Ministry’s press service reported.
The interior minister stressed that there should be no untouchable individuals in cases involving fuel theft.
“Make sure every district police inspector is informed during their briefing and warn everyone: their work is under constant supervision! There must be no favoritism! Normal human relations — yes, assistance — of course, but there must be order. God forbid we receive information that someone is facilitating thefts at agricultural enterprises, has developed close ties with agricultural managers, and is turning a blind eye to violations. Dear colleagues, immediately after such a report there will be an internal investigation, and we will make the toughest possible decision.”, Kubrakou warned.
Earlier today, Lukashenka accused law enforcement agencies of protecting fuel thieves during a meeting. “What is especially outrageous is that some law enforcement officers, instead of fighting these thieves, are taking a cut and ‘providing cover’ for them, just like in the wild 1990s. Gentlemen, you understand that we will not allow the 1990s to return, even in this seemingly minor issue.”, he said.