In Arashukov's case, Dagestan figures as leader in gas thefts

Out of the 31.7 billion roubles lost by Gazprom because of the thefts, imputed to Raul Arashukov and four other top bosses of Gazprom structures, at least 27.4 billion were embezzled at gas supplies to Dagestan. Gas thefts were also committed in the Stavropol Territory and Karachay-Cherkessia, investigators assert.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Raul Arashukov, an advisor to the director general of the "Gazprom Mezhregiongaz" and the father of Senator Rauf Arashukov, was arrested for two months on suspicion of having stolen natural gas worth 30 billion roubles, and of creating a criminal grouping. Investigators suggest that Rauf Arashukov was also involved in gas thefts; he had been also arrested on charges of committing murders, participation in an organized criminal gang and pressure on a witness.

According to investigators, accomplices ensured conclusion of contracts for the supply of large volumes of gas to the gas industry enterprises beyond the demand, after which the gas was stolen and sold to companies and individuals for cash.

The damage caused to the Gazprom by gas thefts from February 2007 to March 2016 is estimated at 31.7 billion roubles. At the same time, the "fictitious imbalance" of the gas supplied to Dagestan amounted to at least 27.4 billion roubles, in the Stavropol Territory – 3.2 billion, and in Karachay-Cherkessia - at least one billion roubles, the "Kommersant" reported on January 31, citing the investigator's decision to search the suspects.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 1, 2019 at 03:03 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.