Jointly against International Crime

The continuing integration policy adopted by Belarus and Russia has resulted in quite successful and still ongoing formation of a common free market zone on the territory of our countries. It certainly has a favourable impact on bilateral trade and development of joint commercial projects which eventually catalyzes economic growth of Belarus and Russia. Unfortunately, not only law-abiding citizens but also criminals enjoy the advantages of open borders and free trade. More than often this criminal activity is organized and international by nature.

The continuing integration policy adopted by Belarus and Russia has resulted in quite successful and still ongoing formation of a common free market zone on the territory of our countries. It certainly has a favourable impact on bilateral trade and development of joint commercial projects which eventually catalyzes economic growth of Belarus and Russia. Unfortunately, not only law-abiding citizens but also criminals enjoy the advantages of open borders and free trade. More than often this criminal activity is organized and international by nature.

During the press conference Andrei Romanovski, Deputy Head of the Second Department under the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Corruption of Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that “some kinds of economic crimes have acquired a marked international tint”. The activities of such groups most often spread, besides Belarus, to Russia and rarely to Ukraine. Mainly, they create front intermediaries – phony companies which are registered on the territory of the Russian Federation or Ukraine.

In itself previous collusion when committing a crime is regarded as aggravating circumstances by Criminal Codes of Russia and Belarus. And if we take into account the international nature of these crimes, we get “Lernaean hydra” which can be destroyed only by common efforts.

In order to ensure effective investigation of such crimes Belarus cooperates with many states. As Andrei Romanovski noted, within the framework of a criminal case the relationship with neighbouring states is established as provided by relevant conventions where the procedures of investigative actions and extradition are described in detail”.

As regards the activities to bring criminal proceedings, our country’s law-enforcement agencies have concluded bilateral and multilateral treaties which specify the course of investigation and search operations as well as checking activities. At the same time, preventive measures are being taken.

“Besides that, agendas of the meetings held for joint working groups on the level of the Union State or the CIS always include law enforcement issues. Such discussions help to harmonize joint work aimed at prevention of different criminal displays,” summarized the representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Unification of legislative basis is a guideline for the activities of Belarusian and Russian law enforcement authorities. It is the unification and extreme coordination of efforts of Minsk and Moscow ministries and agencies which are able to complicate illegal activity of international criminal organizations as much as possible.

Dmitri Vukovich