A moneymaker illegally utilized subs in Severodvinsk
16.03.2010 A local businessman illegally utilized decommissioned subs for two years was convicted in Severodvinsk. He used to work at defense shipyard Zvezdochka and his activities "might cause negative repercussions", FSB said.
Severodvinsk City Court adjudged local merchant guilty of illegal utilization of submarines. In opinion of FSB officers, apart from not paid taxes such actions might cause "negative repercussions" of other nature. Convicted Igor Mitsak had previously headed local company Gepard Ltd., informed Interfax referring to FSB press service.
"Being a director of private company Gepard Ltd., 32-year old resident of Severodvinsk in 2007−2008 committed illegal entrepreneurial activities at FSUE Zvezdochka where he was engaged in submarine utilization without appropriate permission", said official in FSB press service.
Unlawful business rendered 7.5 mln rub income to the entrepreneur. As for FSB, "such kind of activities connected with arms and performed at defense company without state control might cause negative repercussions".
The court adjudged Mr. Mitsak guilty of crime as for part 2-b clause 171 of RF Criminal Code (illegal enterprise associated with deriving large-scale revenue) and sentenced him to imprisonment for a term of 20 months.
Meanwhile, Russian Procuracy continues previously initiated investigation of contraband and illegal arms utilization committed by officials of defense ministry. According to investigators, military servicemen planned to sell dozens of ASW missiles and 200 air bombs to China; formally, those arms were transported to Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan for utilization.
Budget appropriated $1.6 mln for utilization; and frustrated bargain itself was evaluated as $18 mln, reported Interfax referring to its sources. Vedomosti informed citing the source in FSB that in the shady deal were complicited Navy's top-ranking officials, some of them were even Vice and Rear Admirals. According to the source, since early 90's this has become the third attempt to export arms under the guise of utilization.
Source: Infox.Ru, photo: dismantlement of nuclear-powered submarine at Zvezdochka shipyard (atomic-energy.ru)