Фото: МЗКТ
The initiative of former security officers BELPOL has published an investigation into cash payment schemes used in the supply of products from MZKT, which is under sanctions. The report focuses on cooperation with the United Arab Emirates.
MZKT supplies the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates with tractor units for transporting tanks, spare parts and also provides training services for military specialists.
The contract is carried out through intermediary Al Badie Trading Establishment. According to BELPOL, an MZKT representative travels to the UAE and receives cash from the customer. The funds are then transferred to the Belarusian Consulate General in Dubai, where they are оформлены as diplomatic cargo, and in this capacity transported to Belarus. As a rule, the money is collected by Deputy Director General for Commercial Affairs Katsiaryna Stashuk.
BELPOL presented two powers of attorney signed by the MZKT director that authorise her to receive cash and sign work acceptance certificates. Investigators also showed a business trip assignment stating among its objectives “collection of foreign currency proceeds by the only method available under current conditions” and “processing and transfer of diplomatic cargo in accordance with established procedures”.
A second scheme is even simpler. The buyer is asked to bring the money to Belarus. The funds are transported in a suitcase and handed over in a VIP zone at the airport, after which they are escorted to a bank.
BELPOL claims that the money is transferred without proper verification, with some banknotes found to be damaged, dirty or rejected by banks. Investigators also presented an invitation letter from an Emirati company proposing to bring funds to Minsk under the contract. In addition, they showed documents indicating that a Belarusian bank refused to accept $2,000 in one transaction and charged a commission of $858.