Vladislav Baumgertner and Suleyman Kerimov have been absolved of guilt over the potash fiasco that started in 2013, and all criminal accusations and charges against the former have been dropped. This was reported by Russian news agency TASS, who quoted the prosecutor general from Belarus Alexander Konyuk as saying: “The criminal case against Baumgertner has been dropped.”
Potash Trade Turning Political
Baumgertner was the CEO of the world’s largest potash producer Uralkali and Kerimov was the co-owner of the company, when a potash sales dispute broke out between Uralkali, state-run Belaruskali and the Belarusian Potash Company (BKK). The argument started when Uralkali decided to no longer sell its potash through BKK. Uralkali and Belaruskali accused one another of making sales under the table, without aid from BKK. The situation escalated until several warrants of arrest were issued.
Vladislav Baumgertner Arrested
Vladislav Baumgertner was placed under arrest in August 2013 in Minsk, handed over to Moscow in November, and shortly afterwards placed under house arrest, where he was directed to wear an electronic monitoring device. Baumgertner was charged with abuse of power. During this time Uralkali dismissed him as CEO of the company and he resigned from his position on the company’s Board of Directors. In September 2014 Baumgertner was released on bail to the tune of 15 million rubles (around $250,500). His long-term freedom hung in the balance until the recent announcement that the charges were dropped.
Suleyman Kerimov Pursued
An international APB was issued by the authorities in Belarus with the aim of apprehending Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov, who owned part of the company at the time of the disagreement. The bulletin was later withdrawn, but not without tarnishing the Kerimov’s reputation unnecessarily.
Four ex-managers of BKK also stood as accused.
Next Steps
Although Baumgertner has won his freedom back, according to Prosecutor General Konyuk it is expected that damage claims will be filed against the former CEO. Whether he plans to fight any claims is not known at this stage.