The head of Russia’s Federal Customs Service (FCS) is to remain in his post despite being implicated in a smuggling case, the Kremlin announced Wednesday.
Police searched Andrey Belyaninov's office on Tuesday, as well as two properties belonging to the customs chief. Officials uncovered money in various currencies worth around 60 million rubles ($900,000), as well as a host of expensive paintings and antiques at Belyaninov's luxurious suburban home. Belyaninov claims that the money was part of his family's savings.
The raids are part of a criminal investigation against St. Petersburg businessman Dmitry Mikhalchenko, who was arrested on smuggling charges in March. Mikhalchenko, who is worth 18 billion rubles ($270 million), is alleged to have smuggled containers of vintage cognac worth $30,000 through a Baltic sea port disguised as building sealant. The arrest of Deputy culture Minister Grigory Pirumov on suspicion of corruption and theft is also reportedly linked to the Mikhalchenko case.
Belyaninov has been classified a witness in the case and has not been charged with any crime.
Larissa Cherkesova, the head of the FCS legal department, denied rumors that Belyaninov had resigned. She told journalists that Belyaninov was instead on “a planned holiday.”
“Keep listening [to the rumors].” she said. “This [rumored resignation] can’t be true, because it can’t ever be true.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that he couldn’t comment on the ongoing Mikhalchenko case, but that he had no information of Belyaninov’s reported resignation.
“Belyaninov is not currently accused of anything, he has witness status,” Peskov said.
The FCS chief reportedly resigned as head of the Customs service six months ago, but had remained in the post until a “dignified new position” could be found, the Dozhd TV channel reported yesterday, citing government sources.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
