Belarusian authorities strengthen anti-corruption pressure on officials and business

Law enforcement agencies have made an inquiry to verify facts of medical equipment purchases for hospitals and polyclinics at inflated prices. In addition, law enforcers revealed a criminal scheme for the purchase of inventory items by housing and communal services from private traders at inflated prices in more than 30 districts in all regions in Belarus. Languishing state resources prompt the state to step up the anti-corruption pressure on state enterprises and businesses engaged in public procurement. Apparently, different business groups close to the nomenclature have stepped up competition for dwindling state resources, including in collaboration with security officials, in order to redistribute budget flows. The authorities are likely to enhance the anti-corruption pressure on state employees and some private businesses engaged in public tenders, which could lead to criminal investigation, in order to raise additional budget revenue and cut budget expenditure.