Checking the hardware

The police became interested in computer dealers

Employees of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, as Vremya Novostei learned, began inspecting the wholesale warehouses of one of the largest Russian sellers of computers and components for them - ZAO Ultra Electronic AG Rus. According to unofficial information, this event is being carried out as part of another investigation against suppliers of electronics and household appliances who use “gray” schemes in customs clearance of goods. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the inspection data yesterday, but noted that it was “purely preventive in nature.” However, along the way, it turned out that the task forces were simultaneously working in the warehouses of several other companies involved in the sale of computer equipment, and businessmen did not rule out that the Ministry of Internal Affairs had launched a new campaign to expose suppliers of imported equipment, similar to the one that was carried out against cell phone dealers a year ago.

As we found out, employees of Directorate “K” of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs came to the wholesale warehouse of the Ultra Electronic company on the evening of October 24. The operatives presented a resolution to inspect the warehouse and study the financial and economic activities of the company. According to our source, in addition to computers and their components, the detectives were also interested in cell phones, laptops, and CD equipment, which the company also sells. Having copied the serial numbers of the goods, the operatives sealed the warehouse, but after that they did not leave, but set up a watch. The company's retail sales office was not affected by the inspection and continued to operate.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs itself yesterday refrained from commenting on this operation. The Department “K” of the Ministry of Internal Affairs only noted that these actions are “purely preventive in nature, and they carry out such events once or twice a month.”

Meanwhile, it became known from unofficial sources that the inspection of Ultra Electronic is allegedly being carried out as part of an investigation into certain equipment suppliers using “gray” schemes when clearing goods through customs. Allegedly, the documents indicated the cost and characteristics of computers and components imported into the country incorrectly, which is why customs duties were significantly underestimated. This is what served as the impetus, according to our source, for conducting inspections of all major Russian dealers who received this allegedly smuggled product for sale.

In turn, Ultra Electronic confirmed to Vremya Novostei yesterday that they are conducting an inspection, but it concerns only the wholesale warehouse. At the same time, the company representative expressed the hope that the actions of the police were “temporary” and that they would soon sort everything out.

CJSC Ultra Electronic AG Rus has been operating on the Russian market since 2001, and is currently one of the leaders in wholesale and retail sales of computer and digital equipment. Ultra Electronic's annual sales volume, according to its representatives, is over $3 billion. The company works with retail stores, wholesale and corporate clients, including online, delivering goods in both capitals and throughout Russia. Its partner network includes more than 3 thousand wholesalers, the assortment includes over 16 thousand items. Sales offices are located in Moscow, Moscow region and St. Petersburg.

Ekaterina KARACHEVA