Seven criminal cases opened over alleged cover-up of fertilizer spill in Hrodna region

June 23, Pozirk. Belarusian law enforcement authorities have uncovered an alleged attempt to conceal an emergency spill of 330 tons of a urea-ammonia mixture in the Hrodna region, the interior ministry reported.

According to investigators, a 49-year-old deputy head of a major regional holding company and a 43-year-old director of one of its subsidiaries conspired with officials from four farms in the Lida district to falsify documents claiming that the spilled fertilizer had been applied to agricultural fields.

Investigators estimated the company’s losses at 270,000 rubels (about $96,400). Seven criminal cases have been opened, with the executives facing charges of abuse of power.