St. Petersburg authorities have dismantled a syndicate that they say cost the city 3 billion rubles ($97 million) by installing some 600 kilometers of substandard heating and water pipes.
Top officials in the city's energy and engineering committee and a state treasury department, as well as the heads of several private firms including installer Petrokom and supplier Rustrubprom, took part in the scheme to defraud the city budget, the Interior Ministry said Thursday.
More than 200 law enforcement officials participated in exposing the scheme and conducting 30 searches, the ministry said in a statement. From the apartment of the head of the city's energy and engineering committee, police seized 18 million rubles, $100,000 and 100,000 euros.
Related articles:
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.
