Through joint efforts the competent agencies have managed to curb corruption in Belarus. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the relevant statement during the solemn event held on 15 December to mark the 100th anniversary since the establishment of state security agencies in the country, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “We've managed to curb corruption in the last few years through joint efforts of the competent agencies. The fact is recognized by everyone in the world. However, we cannot say we've got rid of negative phenomena completely. Bribes, embezzlement, shady business practices, and other transgressions of this kind still represent a huge danger for the country. State security agencies play a most important role in countering this evil.”

“Frankly speaking, they are better at it than some other government agencies, which are meant to combat this evil,” stated the Belarusian leader.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed it is necessary to continue vigorous fight against corruption and all kinds of schemes designed to dodge taxes and take money out of the country. “The [State Security] Committee has a lot of experience in this field. For instance, during one operation the committee managed to prevent the taking of the highest sum of bribes on record in the history of the country — $5 million. The money was arrested and recovered by the state budget,” he said.