The tender for the protection of the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant went to a businessman associated with money laundering for Russia
A London businessman won a Ukrainian government contract to protect the Dnipro hydroelectric power station from Russian attacks, while secretly helping Moscow’s secret services launder money and circumvent sanctions. About this informs Financial Times.
Andrejs Bradens, a Latvian national also known as Andrejs Karenoks, cooperated with companies that supplied sanctioned electronics to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. He was recently sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for his involvement in a money laundering ring used to finance Russian espionage operations and support European drug traffickers.
According to Ukrainian state procurement registers, the Turkish company Altair Lojistik Ve Ticaret, owned by Bradens, received a $23.4 million contract from Ukrhydroenergo in March. The agreement provided for the supply of cables and materials for the construction of shelters to protect the Dnipro HPP from airstrikes.
Representatives of “Ukrhydroenergo” confirmed the contract with the Bradens company, noting that the project is implemented in accordance with the terms of the agreement, which provides for the completion of the works by the end of the year. The company emphasized that Bradens was not under sanctions at the time of signing the contract, and before concluding the agreement, counterparties were checked for ties to Russia.
After imposing sanctions against the owner of the company, “Ukrhydroenergo” announced that it was conducting an additional inspection. The results of the inspection will determine further actions in accordance with the terms of the contract and Ukrainian legislation.
