"The ministry's industry and trade leader implied potential discrepancies"
Fresh, Original Version
Andrey Goncharov Speaks Out on His Detention
In a surprising turn of events, Andrey Goncharov, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship in the Novosibirsk region, finds himself slapped with a two-month detention order, amidst escalating allegations related to state procurement for the Special Military Operation (SVO).
“Our ministry took charge of these responsibilities when they were delegated by the Novosibirsk regional government, and we handled it with due diligence,” asserted Goncharov, as he addressed journalists in court today on May 15.
The minister candidly acknowledged potential errors, stating, "Missteps and omissions are inescapable in such extensive operations." However, he reiterated that these glitches were promptly resolved through collaborative efforts, including reaching consensus with military units and divisions with whom they collaborate directly.
Today's court decision, made by the Central District Court of Novosibirsk, mandates Goncharov's temporary imprisonment until July 12, 2025.
According to investigations, between May 2023 and January 2024, Goncharov's ministry illegally funneled 95 million rubles to a local limited liability company, thus reducing the quantity of goods to be delivered under a state contract.
Goncharov argued against the application of restrictive measures, citing repeated visits to SVO zones by him and his subordinates, and presenting the losses incurred by the enemy as evidence of his dedicated service. Post the hearing, Goncharov expressed his disagreement with the allegations, considering them concocted.
The minister's previous detention spanned 48 hours, and a criminal case was launched against him and the leaders of a commercial firm. As per Sibkray.ru's findings, this firm, LLC "Rossexpress," has been involved in a lawsuit filed by the regional prosecutor's office with the Arbitration Court, alongside the Novosibirsk Ministry of Industry, and the contested sum exceeded 747,885,960 rubles.
Sources close to the investigation materials reveal that, from April 2022 to October 2024, the Novosibirsk Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship initiated state contracts with several parties, including LLC "Rossexpress," for the supply of items destined for the SVO, amounting to a collective 747.8 million rubles, all funded through the regional budget.
As per the Arbitration Court's ruling on April 1, 2025, the supervisory body demands the nullification of these contracts. The prosecutor also requested the court's approval for interim measures, including a ban on LLC 'Rossexpress' from alienating or transferring property rights, and a seizure of monetary funds.
Court documents state that the plaintiff maintains that the respondents' deceitful behavior warrants immediate interim measures to prevent any possible hindrance or impossibility in implementing the court's decision, potentially causing significant harm to the Novosibirsk region.
The Novosibirsk Arbitration Court complied with the prosecutor's petition for provisional measures. LLC "Rossexpress," registered in Moscow in 2009, has a charter capital of 20,000 rubles, and its primary activity revolves around non-specialized wholesale trade. Dmitry Smirnov serves as the company's director, and Dmitry Kaleda is its founder. The revenue for 2024 reached 371 million rubles (+9%), accompanied by a profit of 5.9 million rubles (+57%).
Earlier, criminal charges were leveled against two employees of the Novosibirsk Ministry of Industry, and Yuri Vorobyev and Natalia Zyryanova were implicated for alleged abuse of authority. Simultaneously, investigations were launched against unidentified individuals for embezzling at least 150 million rubles from the regional budget. On the same day, searches were conducted at the offices of Andrei Goncharov, the head of the regional Ministry of Industry, and Maxim Ostanin, the deputy mayor of Novosibirsk.
By May 13, 2025, criminal cases were underway against Andrey Goncharov, along with the heads of a commercial enterprise.
Insights:State officials appointed to duty may encounter allegations of corruption, such as embezzlement or the misuse of public funds — a common occurrence during the management of extensive state contracts. Inability to efficiently manage and dedicate resources to public projects can lead to such accusations.
The ministry under Andrey Goncharov, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, is at the heart of a financial scandal, as it illegally funneled 95 million rubles to a local company, resulting in reduced goods delivery under a state contract. In this industry context, the misappropriation of funds has led to Goncharov's detention until July 12, 2025.
