Belarusbank Former CEO Jailed For 7.5 Years

Anatol Bahovik has been in custody since August 2, 2016.

Former Executive Director of the Belarusbank Anatol Bahovik has been sentenced to 7,5 years of imprisonment and a fine for 500 base fees (Bn 11,5 K). Such verdict was pronounced today, on Friday, October 13, in the Maskouski District Court of Minsk. The top official was charged with bribery and abuse of power or official duties, tut.by writes.

The Prosecutor requested 8 years of imprisonment for Bahovik. According to the sentence made by the first instance court, the banker will spend the nearest 7 and a half years behind the bars in a penal colony. Moreover, some property will be confiscated from the former Belarusbank top-manager.

The sentence has not come into force yet and can be appealed.

Anatol Bahovik has been in custody since August 2, 2016.

According to the accusation, Bahovik, being the head of the clearing center of bank plastic cards and the chairman of the tender committee for the purchase of goods, works, services of Belarusbank, received from the then general director of the Bank's processing center Henadz Zubarau cash totaling more than 94 thousand dollars through a phased transfer. Herein, he promised Zubarau assistance in winning the tender for the purchase of ATMs for the needs of Belarusbank by the Banking Processing Center.

Former head of the Bank's processing center Henadz Zubarau is on trial as a witness. A criminal case has also been instituted against him, but it was made a separate proceeding.

On the first day of the trial, which began on September 8, Bahovik fully acknowledged his guilt. However, during the trial, he changed his position, recognizing the guilt only partially. Bahovik’s lawyers asked a minimum penalty for their client, "Belgazeta" writes. They believe that it was Zubarau who inclined Bahovik "to commit unlawful actions." For a long time, Bahovik was subordinate to Zubarau, "played a significant role in the formation of Bahovik as a professional, he did not have the strength of will, internal opposition, to reject Zubarau's offer of material rewards."

In his last speech Anatol Bahovik repented and asked the court for indulgence. "At the same time, I would like to be useful for my professional knowledge and experience. In addition, there is a person in the hall who I promised to make happy ... ", — said 45-year-old former top manager of Belarusbank. There were his parents and wife in the courtroom.