Witnesses claimed that “temporary” director of Inskoi mine stopped mining activities and ordered emergency repair works to be carried out preventing a disaster.
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It was Maxim Sidorov, who had been appointed director of Inskoy open-cut coal mine by Kemerovo Administration.
Former management of the company ignored the danger to the mine.
The case over alleged extortion of a controlling stake in Inskoy mine is being heard at the Central Kemerovo City Court.
Former senior officials of the Kuzbass region, employees of Russia's Investigative Committee regional branch have been charged.
Defense lawyers said that Inskoy mine was in a critical condition that could lead to the disaster amid social unrest.
Sidorov held the post of mine director for five days in 2016 when the control over the mine was transferred to businessman Alexander Shchukin.
Sidorov testified in the court in April.
He said that the mine faced a number of serious problems.
Mining complex was out of order as it was clogged with mud.
Moreover, the mine was under serious risk of crash, there was a lack of electricity, warning alarm system did not function.
Over a short period of time Sidorov managed to organize the recovery of the cleaning and protection system of the mining complex.
Shchukin, in his turn, examined technical documentation, held a meeting with employees of the mine and made recommendations aimed at improving the situation, witnesses claimed.
At the moment Inskoy mine is under control of the bankruptcy receiver.
The value of its assets at the time the alleged extortion took place has not been established yet.
Investigators have not conducted any examination despite the fact that it might reveal the logic of the actions taken by the defendants.
Defendants’ lawyers claimed that the assets of the mine cost nothing due to its enormous debts.
Former managers of Inskoy mine claimed that the market value of its stock equals the assets book value and exceeds two billion rubles despite all the problems. ■
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