Andrey Berezhny, who leads Russia’s largest shoe manufacturer, Ralf Ringer, has been accused of tax evasion in recent reports from DEA News. He addressed the case publicly during a council session of the Center for Public Procedures, a group focused on fighting corruption, where he spoke about the ongoing legal matters and his perspective on the allegations. At present, Berezhny is reportedly under house arrest as the investigation unfolds, drawing attention to the broader challenges facing large private enterprises in the country.
The charges allege that Berezhny participated in creating non-existent transactions with joint-stock companies, a move claimed to have reduced his tax burden for the years 2014 through 2016. Berezhny has consistently asserted his innocence, arguing that all financial activities were legitimate and that the claim of wrongdoing is unsupported. He also pointed out that a statute of limitations had expired on the case, suggesting that the legal timeline should prevent new action.
We are a financially solid entity, Berezhny reportedly told attendees, and we stand ready to prove our innocence through due process in court, while noting that the authorities continue to seize assets linked to the case. The remarks reflect a belief that the financial operations in question were compliant with applicable laws, and they emphasize a willingness to cooperate with investigators and legal representatives to resolve the matter.
There are indications that prosecutors could file additional charges against Berezhny in the near term. If found guilty, the potential penalties could include several years of imprisonment, highlighting the high stakes involved for leading figures in Russia’s business community who face corruption-related accusations.
In related regional news, the Leningrad Court delivered a decision regarding a separate case on 14 August involving an official identified as Drozdova, who was found guilty of accepting a bribe. The ruling adds to a pattern of judicial actions linked to corruption oversight in public-sector and commercial dealings. Meanwhile, the broader political landscape saw continued debate among members of the former State Duma, who have discussed proposals around civil service restrictions for officials and executives who have been found liable in corruption cases. This ongoing discourse underscores the tension between anti-corruption measures and the operational realities faced by business leaders navigating regulatory scrutiny.