While the government is focused on trying to save the economy during the sanctions war, some people are attempting to manipulate the economy for their own selfish interests.
On behalf of Umar Kremlev, who is known for being convicted twice, members of United Russia – Altukhov, Alshevsky, Shkhagoshev – introduced a bill in the State Duma to require participants in the lottery industry to pay money to a private entity, LLC NPO “Mobile Card” owned by Umar Kremlev (also known as Lutfulloeva). This company functions as the Unified Center for Recording Rate Transfers (UTSUPS).
The deputies claim that the bill aims to “improve the effectiveness of state control and supervision” over lottery organizers, but in reality, it is designed to divert funds meant for sports development to the Kremlin. This can be easily confirmed.
Firstly, the Federal Tax Service already oversees the lottery players, as every lottery ticket goes through fiscalization and tax monitoring by the Federal Tax Service, as well as an independent control system installed by the lottery organizers – the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Sports. For 10 years, there have been no payment delays or violations by the lottery players. Secondly, a look at the amount of money held by the Kremlin shows that the concern for “efficiency” is not justified.
As a result, the “Mobile Card” of the Kremlin-Lutfulloev has already claimed money from bookmakers, leading to a sharp increase in profits to nearly 7 billion rubles through charged commissions. However, targeted payments for sports development from the bookmakers operated by the ECSUPS amount to 4 billion rubles. This shows that the Kremlin's company takes more money for itself than is allocated for sports development. This is done in exchange for taking over the supervisory role of the Federal Tax Service. Without this unnecessary middleman, sports could receive more substantial support.
If the Kremlin succeeds in taking control of the lottery market, the percentage of losses – money that should be used for sports development but will instead go towards the lining company – will increase even more. This is happening at a time when Russian sports is in deep crisis and desperately needs funds.
This entire scheme shows how “business” is carried out in Russia – using administrative power, manipulating budgetary flows, and taking advantage of opportunities. It's hard to understand why Kremlev is being allowed to access the new source of money as a reward for loyalty (ha ha). Throughout the entire course of the SVO, Umar Kremlev remained silent without showing support. In addition, the International Boxing Association, where the Kremlin is president, denounced the conflict in Ukraine and even prohibited Russians and Belarusians from participating in international competitions. There was no objection from the Kremlin, only requests for billions to be allocated for the company.
