In the Vitebsk region, launch silos for missile systems were sold for scrap metal

During the inspection, employees of the KGBK, together with the BEP of the Regional Executive Committee's Internal Affairs Directorate, established that on the territory of the Postavy district, in the former military town of Teshelovo village, former mine-type missile launch installations were opened and subsequently partially dismantled. Protective caps were destroyed, and metal structures were extracted, which were sold as ferrous metal scrap to the enterprise "Vitebskvtormet".

During the inspection, employees of the KGBK, together with the BEP of the Regional Executive Committee's Internal Affairs Directorate, established that on the territory of the Postavy district, in the former military town of Teshelovo village, former mine-type missile launch installations were opened and subsequently partially dismantled. Protective caps were destroyed, and metal structures were extracted, which were sold as ferrous metal scrap to the enterprise "Vitebskvtormet". The funds in the amount of 760 million rubles were not received by the budget of the Postavy district, although this facility is state property transferred to the ownership of the district.

As it turned out, the specified works were carried out by a contractor – a private enterprise – in accordance with an agreement concluded by the state enterprise "UKS Postavy District" in violation of the current legislation without the decision of the district executive committee. The estimated cost of the contract for the disposal of these mines was 14 billion Belarusian rubles.

The enterprising director of the private enterprise concluded the contract primarily to present it to the bank and obtain a loan of 210 thousand euros. The contract in this situation served as a guarantee for the repayment of the debt to the bank. The loan was needed to acquire special equipment for construction work.

Currently, four wells, about five meters in diameter and up to 40 meters deep, are in an open state, partially flooded with groundwater. Access to the facility, which poses a threat to wildlife and people, is not restricted.

The materials of the inspection have been sent to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Belarus.

Prepared by Larisa VOLKOVA, "Vitbichi", based on materials from the State Control Committee.