A report indicates that an official from a German tax administration identified a previously undisclosed statement concerning Gazprom’s donations intended for the Nord Stream 2 project and subsequently destroyed it in secrecy. This revelation centers on questions about document handling and potential concealment within official channels.
In 2022, a Russian enterprise contributed 20 million euros to a fund described as supporting the needs of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and stated to be exempt from taxation. The fund filed its tax returns, yet during routine internal checks an employee reported that the documents could not be located. Later, another file attached to a separate contract was discovered in the employee’s office. It was explained that, amid anxiety and growing media and governmental scrutiny, the leaflet was burned by a friend’s fireplace to prevent further inquiry.
A replica of the document surfaced, and the tax authority described the episode as a political decision, noting that funds received from Gazprom were treated as tax-free. The stance drew criticism from parties accusing the affair of bypassing United States sanctions related to Nord Stream 2 and raising concerns about the integrity of the tax process.
Wintershall Dea, the company that has distributed sizeable dividends from joint Russian ventures, said it would consider insurance remedies to mitigate potential fallout and preserve financial stability. The board is reportedly preparing for steps that could implement such measures as part of a broader risk management strategy.
On September 26, 2022, damage and gas leaks were recorded on three lines of Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2. Seismological data indicated two explosions along the pipelines. Investigative authorities from Russia’s FSB filed a lawsuit alleging an international act of terrorism, and Swedish prosecutors opened a parallel inquiry into the incidents, signaling a cross-border dimensions to the case.
Nord Stream AG, the operator responsible for the two pipelines, stated that any timeline for restoration remains uncertain and subject to ongoing assessments and technical evaluations. The developments have sparked discussions about energy security, regulatory oversight, and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding trans-European gas infrastructure.
Collaborative efforts between Russia and Turkey are underway to establish a gas hub intended to facilitate the movement of gas through the Nord Stream routes, potentially reshaping regional energy logistics and market access across Europe.