Latvian State Revenue Service (VDD) confirms having started inspection of information regarding the possible involvement of Pobeda Confectionery LLC in providing support to Russian armed forces.
A publication in Russian language has recently surfaced in public space. It states that the aforementioned company has allegedly donated 15 tonnes of products to the Russian army, and that the company’s co-owner Olga Muravjova has allegedly received a gift from Yegoryevsk City Battle Brotherhood for the aid supplied to Russian troops in Ukraine.
Press-representative of National Alliance political party Laima Melkina reported that Saeima deputy Artūrs Butāns was the one who asked VDD to investigate the situation. He asked authorities to look into Ventspils-based factory Pobeda and its officials’ and beneficial owners’ actions and possible violations.
«If a company in Latvia is helping the Russian army, which is currently waging war in Ukraine, then such a company has no place in our national economy, and its officials are to be brought to justice immediately,» said Butāns.
At the same time, he also mentions that
groups of schoolchildren visit Pobeda factory,
which is why the Saeima deputy invites VDD to check if children are provided any kind of information or gifts that to against Latvia’s official position. Butāns also invites checking if the presence of this factory within Ventspils Freeport’s territory, which is strategic state infrastructure, creates risks for national security.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diāna Eglīte, the ministry and competent institutions will explain whether the aforementioned information is justified. Neither US nor EU sanctions, considering the request from the UN to ensure food availability for less developed countries, are not aimed against Russian food industry.
«Latvia does not want investments that support Russia’s war in Ukraine. If this information is confirmed, all necessary decisions will be made,» stressed Eglīte.
LETA turned to Pobeda Confectionery with questions regarding alleged donations to the Russian army. The agency has yet to receive any response.
Pobeda Confectionery was registered in 2014. Its base capital is EUR 3 060. 90.2% of the company’s capital is owned by Cyprus-based company Adellaar Holdings Limited. The rest is owned by Russian citizens Vitaly and Olga Muravjov. Pobeda, founded in Yegoryevsk in 2000, is one of the biggest confectioneries factories in Russia. In 2019 the company released its products in more than 20 countries.
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