A corruption investigation in Belarus has brought to light a scheme involving the export of Babushkina Krynka dairy products to Russia. The disclosure was made during a briefing by the president on November 14, outlining the findings and the steps being taken by the state to respond. The discussion centered on allegations that the Mogilev-based enterprise Babushkina Krynka created a network of related companies in Russia, used these entities to purchase products at prices that left a slim margin for Belarusian producers, and later re-sold the goods within the Russian market at higher prices. This arrangement was said to have undercounted the Belarusian tax base and potentially deprived the national treasury of revenue.
The president described the operatives as forming eight commercial groups that controlled favorable conditions for exporting dairy products from several domestic milk processing facilities. He noted that the evidence pointed to involvement by company officials and some state institutions, indicating a coordinated effort to advance the scheme. The overview suggested that the execution of the plan relied on cooperation from a range of actors within the enterprise and government circles.
In response to the findings, the president ordered action to seize assets tied to the suspects, aiming to secure state revenue and disrupt ongoing illicit activity. The formal response highlighted a broader commitment to financial integrity and to preventing similar schemes from taking root in the future.
Officials reported that twenty-six individuals were detained in connection with the investigation, with fifteen of them placed under arrest as the case progressed. The unfolding legal actions reflect a sustained government effort to hold wrongdoers accountable and to safeguard Belarus’s fiscal interests during a period of heightened scrutiny over export practices.
Meanwhile, regional authorities noted a recent development in bilateral economic cooperation. On November 10, Russia and Belarus established a supranational tax committee designed to enhance coordination on tax policy and border trade issues. This move was described by observers as a mechanism to streamline compliance and reduce disputes in cross-border commerce.
In related remarks, Maxim Reshetnikov, who formerly led Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, praised the pace of import substitution initiatives carried out with Belarus. His assessment suggested a shared emphasis on strengthening economic resilience and fostering closer collaboration between the two neighbors in strategic sectors.
In summary, authorities in Belarus are pursuing a high-profile investigation into misused export channels within the dairy sector, while regional partners seek ways to bolster governance and economic coordination across the border. The case underscores ongoing efforts to protect fiscal resources and ensure transparent trade practices in the Belarusian economy and its relations with Russia.