Lukashenka prepares a blow to business

The ruler wants the law-enforcement bodies to take stricter measures against “economic crimes”.

Lukashenka heard the report by state secretary of the Security Council Leanid Maltsau and criticised the insufficient activities of the law-enforcement agencies in this direction.

“I am very concerned by the fact that the KGB works in this area while the others rest on their laurels and think it's not their problem. Prosecution agencies are the main bodies to fight corruption and control work in this direction,” he said.

The ruler noted that “the internal ministry has much more possibilities than the KGB”.

“Let's put it straight, district police officers and the police know everything going in in the country. But I don't see any actions by the interior ministry,” Lukashenka said.

The ruler thinks the level of corruption in Belarus is significantly lower than that in other countries, but its growth must be prevented.

Lukashenka stressed he expected more activity of the law-enforcement agencies in their fight against economic crimes.

“It is unacceptable that such crimes take place in a fair, honest and decent country. We mustn't allow stratification of the society due to economic crimes. We already have it: One runs one and a half shops, but his family has three million dollar worth imported cars. On what money, if the shops bring little profit? It means he hides something, deals with shady business schemes, hides income to avoid taxes, etc. I exaggerate with this small example. But we have bigger 'whales' who avoid taxes,” the ruler said.