Corruption

Russian Customs Chief Remains in Post Despite Smuggling Probe

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.