Sechin and Ulyukaev conflict. Sechin vs Ulyukaev: how the testimony differs

Experts on the appearance of the head of Rosneft at the trial in the case of Ulyukaev

Today, Igor Sechin nevertheless came to the Moscow City Court, where they began to consider an appeal against the sentence against Alexei Ulyukaev. The head of Rosneft was interrogated behind closed doors. Initially, the defendant's lawyers asked to cancel the verdict, the Prosecutor General's Office opposed, calling the punishment legal and justified. Why Sechin changed his mind and under whose influence - read more in the comments of Realnoe Vremya's experts.

Sechin: “It was a matter of honor for me”

This morning, the Moscow City Court began considering an appeal against the verdict against ex-Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev. Recall that at the end of the year, the court of first instance found him guilty of taking a bribe in the amount of $ 2 million and sentenced him to 8 years in a strict regime colony, as well as paying a fine of 130 million rubles.

The defense of the convict asked to cancel the verdict due to the refusal of the main witness, the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, to come to court. However, today the case took an unexpected turn: the chief executive officer of the state-owned company nevertheless appeared at the trial. Sechin was interrogated for an hour and a half behind closed doors. After that, the press was again allowed into the hall, but Ulyukaev's lawyers took time to prepare a position, taking into account the appearance of the witness. The court adjourned until 14.30. After the interrogation, Igor Sechin told TASS that for him, appearing in court was “a matter of honor”, ​​and he considers the ex-minister’s case a new impetus in the fight against corruption in Russia:

I hoped that the court of first instance would accept my affidavit, but unfortunately this did not happen. Therefore, as soon as the opportunity arose, I came to court. For me, this was a matter of principle, because I wanted my testimony to be taken into account by the court. I am the main witness, and for me it was a matter of honor,” said the head of Rosneft after interrogation.

"Sechin's testimony does not shed light on what happened, but only give rise to contradictions and ambiguities," Ulyukaev's defense believes. Photo ntv.ru

Ulyukaev's defense: "Sechin's testimony does not shed any light"

During the debate of the parties, the former minister said that Sechin changed his initial testimony - they say that he demanded a bribe not while playing billiards at the BRICS summit in Goa, but when all the summit participants went to the event. The defenders continued to insist on the annulment of the sentence:

It is very difficult for me to imagine how Ulyukaev extorted a bribe from Sechin while climbing the stairs in a crowd of people to the eighth floor (it took 10 minutes, according to Sechin). Sechin's testimony does not shed light on what happened, but only give rise to contradictions and ambiguities. This is already enough to cancel the verdict, - said Ulyukaev's lawyer Timofey Gridnev.

According to the investigation, the convict demanded money from the witness in exchange for a positive opinion of the Ministry of Economic Development on the privatization of Bashneft. However, Sechin himself admitted that under no circumstances could Ulyukayev influence this decision. According to him, the former head of the Rosneft security service, FSB General Oleg Feoktistov, wrote a statement about extorting a bribe. The applicant himself ignored the summons to the proceedings before the Zamoskvoretskiy Court on four occasions, referring to being busy.

According to him, the former head of the Rosneft security service, FSB General Oleg Feoktistov, wrote a statement about extorting a bribe. Photo dailystorm.ru

“Now, it is quite possible that Ulyukaev can be saved from imprisonment”

The head of the Center for Regional Policy Development, Ilya Grashchenkov, called the situation between Sechin and Ulyukaev rather complex and confusing from the point of view of public policy. But if we look at it through the prism of a conflict of interest, then it is obvious that the head of Rosneft won a victory, which should now be consolidated.

The arrest and landing of Ulyukaev is not a mandatory procedure. It is clear who turned out to be strong and whose plans were implemented, and whose not. Now, it is quite possible that Ulyukaev can be saved from imprisonment, since after all he is a man of the system, his arrest hits too many interests. Now Russia is in a very difficult international situation, and internal conflicts do not help to strengthen the external situation. Vladimir Putin needs consensus more than ever, which means that he may well influence businessmen close to him, for example, Igor Sechin, prompting him to come to terms with enemies. Therefore, my forecast: it is quite possible to expect actions that will lead to a commutation of the sentence, - Grashchenkov believes.

However, Rustem Shayakhmetov, an economist from Ufa, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Management of the UGNTU, does not see a big reason for Sechin’s appearance in the Moscow City Court:

So, he considered it necessary to come, he is a fairly independent person. If he did not want to, it would be difficult to force him, given his status. Most likely, this is his personal decision. I don't think it was the president who gave the command to Sechin. Although the case is resonant, it is not his level. Moreover, the decision has already been made, and I do not think that Sechin's visit will change anything much. The fact that he came does not mean anything. Perhaps he really, purely physically, could not come earlier, since he did not consider this matter a priority for himself. But since there was time, I decided: “Let's go, so that there is no unnecessary talk, that I am evading the duties of a witness to speak in court,” Shayakhmetov believes.

The interlocutor of the publication urges not to look for a big underlying reason in this case and does not believe that Sechin's testimony will strengthen the position of the prosecution, let alone the defense. Andrey Kolyadin, board member of the Russian Association of Political Consultants, shares a similar point of view:

- I think that this is correct, because everyone is equal before the law. There should not be such that someone is more equal. I think Sechin also understood this. Because the state, in which there are untouchable people, after a while begins to dislike these people. It is quite possible that someone advised him, but he definitely made the decision himself. I consulted because, being in such a position, you are always surrounded by a certain number of people who give you PR recommendations. I think it was the same here, - says Kolyadin.

According to him, the sanctions will undoubtedly affect the position of the head of Rosneft and his holding, and will not be reflected in the best way, “but they are already both morally and financially ready for this. Believe me, unlike us, these people will not die of hunger.” Theoretically, Kolyadin argues, Sechin can also take Bashkiria’s 25% stake in Bashneft, but in any case, the issue will be resolved in a consolidated manner: “The state is interested in ensuring that there are no conflicts in the private market zone, and the same injustice, like going to court. If he has reason to take these percentages, then the flag is in his hands. If not, everyone should be equal before the court.”

P.S. The Moscow City Court upheld the verdict against Alexei Ulyukaev. On December 15, 2017, the ex-minister of economic development was found guilty of taking a $2 million bribe from the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, and sentenced to 8 years in a strict regime colony, as well as paying a fine of 130 million rubles. The court also retained the seizure of Ulyukaev's property, his accounts, a car, a silver bar and a collection of coins made of precious metals.

Vasily Shirshov

In the rapidly unfolding case of the Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev, there is a rather curious detail - the distrust expressed by many commentators is associated with the inviolability of the potential object of extortion.

"You have to be crazy to ... threaten" "something and extort 2 million from Igor Ivanovich, in fact one of the most influential people in our country," says the head of the RSPP Alexander. "Imagine Ulyukaev extorting a bribe from Rosneft, headed by Igor Ivanovich Sechin, is somehow beyond the limits," politician Boris Nadezhdin, who has known Ulyukaev for 20 years, wonders. “He threatened Rosneft and extorted a bribe. Apparently, I stopped understanding something in this world,” Anatoly, chairman of the board of RUSNANO, rolls his eyes. “I sometimes underestimate the depths of the decay of power, but I can’t believe that Ulyukaev asked for a bribe from Sechin,” I agree.

"Odious", "wild" case, experts shrug. But they see odiousness not in the fact that the minister could extort a bribe, but in the fact that someone could dare to extort a bribe from Igor Ivanovich Sechin himself. Even to imagine such a thing is impossible. And no one can imagine this just because Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin is one of the most influential people in our country, while Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukaev is apparently not one of the most influential.

The assessment of the minister's weight in the establishment is thus minimal. But Alexei Ulyukaev is a member of the country's government, heading one of the key ministries. Actually, why shouldn't he have the theoretical ability to extort a bribe? Corrupt cases related to extortion for a signature on a document are not uncommon, but at lower levels. However, Igor Sechin, who heads a company, albeit a very large one, albeit affiliated with the state, is unconditionally perceived by all observers as a figure much more powerful than the minister. So much so that the very idea that someone might come up with the idea of ​​encroaching on the non-fulfillment of his desires is unimaginable.

Only in the unspoken hierarchy can he stand above Igor Sechin - only he can veto the latest financial requests from Rosneft, as was the case last summer.

This state of affairs is generally adequate to the philistine view of the nature of power in Russia, according to which power arises as a result of delegation of authority not from below according to a clearly defined procedure, but from above, without any procedures, in an arbitrary way. At the same time, it is not outlined by a specific field of activity, but is power in general, power that can be used in almost any direction. The government is perceived as a powerless, helpless body, designed to satisfy the needs of magnates or special services, its formal powers mean nothing.

There is also no movement in support of Alexei Ulyukaev. In the same way, he is not perceived by the masses as "one of his own," since the masses have no influence at all on the appointment of ministers. The government is not appointed by the party that won the election, and who Ulyukaev is and where he came from - only specialized specialists will answer this question. The layman experiences bewilderment at best, and gloating at worst, but it should not deceive, he will experience exactly the same gloating if Igor Sechin is suddenly arrested.

The layman is the layman for that, but it is curious that such a view, apparently, is also widespread in leading circles: the untouchability of Igor Sechin is not questioned, although the mechanism for providing services for a bribe is unlikely in these circles to be something completely unimaginable. It's normal when Rosneft writes a complaint and the minister is arrested, although no other complaint would lead to such a result. No wonder the scandal, which would have been a blow to any other companies and transactions, did not affect either the quotes of Rosneft or the deal to take over Bashneft. The market also took the situation for granted.

The court read out the conversation between the head of Rosneft and the former Minister of Economy when transferring a bribe

The list of winged quotes of modern Russia was supplemented by words from the transcript of the audio recording in the case of ex-head of the Ministry of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukaev, read out yesterday by the prosecutor at the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of Moscow. The latter, as you know, is accused of extorting a bribe from the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin.

• 14.43

The experts' conclusions were as follows:

The conversation on audio and video recordings are united by the same topics; the main conversation is the discussion of the assignment with the transfer of items to Ulyukaev. They discuss the interaction in the situation of executing an assignment. The main subject of conversation is the subject and content of the activities of oil companies, the criteria for the activities of oil companies, the actions of Sechin's company;

In the behavior of Sechin and Ulyukaev, there are linguistic signs of understanding and participation in the interaction, as well as preliminary agreements to “execute the assignment” and transfer some items;

Some of Sechin's statements contain elements of innuendo: about the initiator and the fulfillment of the order, about the transfer of objects; Ulyukaev demonstrates the reactions of attention and understanding of these statements. At the same time, Ulyukaev does not seek to give their conversation a more open character;

In situations recorded in the records, in conversations about the activities of companies and the transfer of objects, Ulyukaev behaves naturally for this situation.

• 14.40

Announced another examination, which was conducted by the organization "Southern Center", a psychologist and a linguist took part in the study. Questions: what are the topics of conversation between Ulyukaev and Sechin on the phonogram of the audio and video media; whether there was an agreement between them to meet at the Rosneft office; whether there was an understatement between them; whether there are verbal and non-verbal signs of naturalness or unnaturalness in Ulyukaev's behavior when receiving the basket and bag.

• 14.28

In total, three audio recordings of the conversation between Sechin and Ulyukaev appear in the case, all of them, apparently, were recorded on different devices.

The prosecutor reads out the results of an examination by the FSB Institute of Criminalistics over a telephone conversation. They were asked to answer the questions, what is the literal content of the conversation from the phonogram, is there Ulyukaev's voice and oral speech, are there signs of editing. According to experts, the speech and voice belong to Ulyukaev, there are no signs of editing.

• 14.16

The prosecutor again rereads the transcript of the conversation between Sechin and Ulyukaev before the minister's arrest. They talk about the oil market, Rosneft, the tax burden, exploration and replacement. “There you need to drill and pump, pour water,” Sechin said. "You can't stop the process."

In general, I don’t want to say anything yet, but we are working hard to complete the task in full,” Sechin told Ulyukaev. The minister speaks of cooperation with the Japanese. Sechin is about the Koreans and the Chinese, concluding that the Japanese can learn something.

"Sechin: All right, hey," reads the prosecutor. Lawyers and listeners laugh.

Ulyukaev is about to get into the car. “Well, first of all, I apologize for the delay in the assignments. We were on a business trip while we completed the volume back and forth. Here. Take it, put it down and let's go, here's the key for every fireman, ”the prosecutor reads Sechin’s words again. The sound of fasteners, the rustle of clothes is heard. A man asks for tea. He's talking on the phone.

• 13.58

The experts were asked to answer who owns the voices on the recording, whether there is Ulyukaev's voice and oral speech, and whether there is editing. Experts believe that there is Ulyukaev's oral speech, but there are no signs of editing.

• 13.33

Report of Kalinichenko, according to which a recording of a telephone conversation between Sechin and Ulyukaev dated November 14 was received.

Sechin's receptionist: Igor Ivanovich, I'm connecting you now.

Sechin: Alexey Valentinovich, dear!

Ulyukaev: Igor Ivanovich, how glad I am to hear from you!

They briefly mention a meeting in Goa.

Sechin: A lot of questions have accumulated there, both on the board of directors and on ...

Ulyukaev: Well, let's discuss it.

Sechin invites Ulyukaev to come to the company, as he has a lot to do.

Ulyukaev: Yes, I will be happy to see the company.

Sechin: I'm having big talks for two hours now, at 16.30, is it possible?

Ulyukaev: Quite.

They agree on 17.00. At 17.30 Ulyukaev was detained with marked banknotes.

The meeting was adjourned. During the break, lawyer Victoria Burkovskaya said that Ulyukaev was sure that Sechin had handed him baskets of fruit and wine, and that the bag should have contained sausages.

• 13.32

Kveidze reminds the judge that she filed a motion to exclude this evidence as inadmissible. Lawyer Burkovskaya draws attention to one phrase by Sechin: “Yes, well, we are working until we relax, I’m not saying anything exactly yet, we want to complete the task.”

The prosecutor announces the protocol of examination of objects, this is another disk recognized as material evidence. ORM certificate from Kalinichenko. Minutes of the examination of objects dated December 8, 2016 - a disk provided by the FSB. It contains an audio and video recording dated November 14. The audio recording begins with the words: "Tell Shokina to put down the basket..." and ends with the words: "Let's go have some coffee."

Now the state prosecutor is reading the decision of the Moscow Regional Court, allowing the head of the SEB FSB to listen in on telephone conversations and remove information from technical communication channels. Resolution of the Moscow Regional Court dated February 17, 2017 on the declassification of the previous resolution.

• 13.22

Sechin: Yes, I will be in Rome.

Ulyukaev: Yes, I will too. And before that, I'm dating (inaudible).

Sechin: Yes, yes, yes.

Ulyukaev: Well, that's how they take steps.

Sechin: Lesha, thank you very much, I won't delay you, you have a difficult schedule.

Ulyukaev: Yes, I will drop by the courses on the way home.

Lawyer Kveidze wanted to ask something because it was hard to hear, but the prosecutor cut her off: “Can I finish?” Neporozhny re-reads the transcript.

Ulyukaev: Don't (probably says "about the jacket")

Sechin: All right, just sit there for a second... Well, first of all, I apologize for delaying the instructions. We were on a business trip while we completed the volume back and forth. Here. Take it, put it down and let's go, here's the key for every fireman.

Prosecutors highlighted the last words.

Sechin: Take the basket.

Ulyukaev: Uh-huh.

Sechin: Goodbye.

• 13.17

The prosecutor reads the transcript very quietly. One of the listeners asked to read louder, the judge reprimanded him. The prosecutor continues to read.

Ulyukaev: This process cannot be stopped

Sechin: Well.

Ulyukaev: Well, if it falls, are you going to do it at a loss to yourself?

Sechin: Well, yes.<...>Lyosha, don't be offended by us for these puffs. I already felt like a storm.

• 13.14

Ulyukaev: Listen, will there be Iranian oil here?

Sechin: This project is unique for the market.

Ulyukaev: This is the first such major attempt, no one has succeeded.

Sechin: Yes, that's true. For us it depends on the equipment, staff.

Sechin: Iran will increase, they are already 3.9…

Ulyukaev: Well, they seem to be ready to freeze at 4.

Now Sechin and Ulyukaev are moving on to discussing shale oil.

Sechin: It's cunning to support shale oil now.

Ulyukaev: Uh-huh.

• 13.08

Neporozhny moved on to the fifth volume and read out a certificate of ORM "Observation", according to which the operative of the department "K" of the SEB FBS Kalinichenko received two audio recordings of the conversation between Sechin and Ulyukaev during the transfer of a bribe. The conversation took place on November 14, 2016 in the courtyard of the Rosneft office. Kashtanov's lawyer draws attention to the fact that the conversation was not made public so that the defense would then have the opportunity to make the conversation public.

The act of inspection and return of equipment, which states that Sechin had an audio recording device and there are no damages on it. He reads the transcript.

Sechin: Tell Shokina to put the basket in 206 and make tea for now. Yes, everything is great. Listen, are you without a jacket?

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: How do you even walk like that?

Ulyukaev: Huh?

Sechin: You need some kind of jacket.

Ulyukaev: Don't, don't, why?

Sechin: Yes?

Ulyukaev: Of course.

Sechin: Well, one second, okay, you sit for now.

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Well, firstly, I apologize for delaying the execution of the order, well, we were on business trips.

Ulyukaev: Of course.

Sechin: Yes, so far back and forth, we have collected the volume. Well, you can consider that the task is completed.

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: I'm warming up.

Ulyukaev says something unintelligible.

Sechin: Don't talk.

Ulyukaev: We need to find out when the car is, and that's the thing, when the distance is short.

Sechin: Well, yes.

• 12.54

The prosecutor reads a request to the information center of the Moscow police department about the availability of information about the prosecution of Ulyukaev. There is no such information, with the exception of data on the case, which is currently being considered by the court.

Then he reads out a cover letter from the government apparatus to the UK, in which a copy of Ulyukaev's personal file is sent. They occupy 100 pages in the case file. They include an autobiography, a questionnaire with information about the places of study and work of Ulyukaev, a copy of the diploma with honors, a diploma of a candidate of economic sciences, and a certificate of an associate professor.

Filippchuk continues to list the available materials: a letter from the deputy chairman of the government with a request to appoint Ulyukaev as an economic adviser to the government, an order to appoint Ulyukaev as an adviser, a letter of honor from the government from 2001, an announcement of gratitude from the president to Ulyukaev, a letter from the president requesting an announcement of gratitude to Ulyukaev, and others.

The third volume contains a birth certificate for Ulyukaev's son in 2005 and his daughter in 2010, as well as an order from the federal cadastral cartography service to award the medal "For Merit" and a presidential decree to award state awards for a great contribution to the preparation of the treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union.

• 12.45

The state prosecutor read out a characterization of Anatoly Chubais, chairman of the board of Rosnano, to Ulyukaev: the minister is characterized exclusively from the positive side and as a talented specialist; data from his biography and information about the awards are given. “Ulyukaev is an exceptionally decent person, whose words never diverge from deeds,” the description says.

The prosecutor announces the reference from the chairman of the Supervisory Board Kostin dated November 15, 2016 to Ulyukaev. He also spoke positively of the minister. Now a positive reference from the President of the RSPP Shokhin, also dated November 15, 2016.

Characteristics of the OVD of the Ramenki district in relation to Ulyukaev: there is no information about bringing the minister to administrative responsibility, there are no compromising materials in the OVD either. Certificates from the psycho-neurological dispensary No. 2 and the narcological dispensary - he is not registered there, there are no previous convictions.

• 12.41

Materials from the second volume are announced. Prosecutor Pavel Filippchuk reads out data from a copy of Ulyukaev's passport, "marital status - married, two children." Among the documents - a copy of the presidential decree of June 24, 2013 appointing Ulyukaev to the post of Minister of Economic Development; Candidate of Science diploma from 1983, according to which Ulyukaev was awarded the degree of Candidate of Economic Sciences; certificate of associate professor from 1987, according to which Ulyukaev was awarded the title of associate professor in the department of political economy; diploma of Doctor of Economics from 1998, as well as a copy of the certificate of a professor - Ulyukaev, on the basis of a decision of the Ministry of Education and Science in 2004, was awarded the title of professor in the department of general economics, as well as a diploma of higher education in the specialty "economist" with honors, issued to Ulyukaev at Moscow State University.

Filippchuk reads a copy of the gratitude of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, namely the committee on property issues, "for a significant contribution to the development of the legislation of the Russian Federation" from 2015.

• 12.35

The prosecutor lists the items that were taken from the scene: these are envelopes with the words “dry flush”, an envelope with a key fob and a key, a bag. Ulyukaev later clarified that he did not remember whether he himself put the bag in the trunk, but he definitely touched her handles. “When I put a basket with ... In general, a basket with something,” - the prosecutor reads without understanding Ulyukaev's handwriting.

The report of the investigator dated November 15 refers to the signs of taking a bribe (Part 6 of Article 290 of the Criminal Code). Kashtanov's lawyer draws attention to the fact that the document says that Ulyukaev began extorting a bribe in October-November 2016 in Moscow.

Neporozhny takes the next volume.

• 12.26

Neporozhny announces the protocol of inspection of the scene dated November 14, 2016. The inspector of department "K" of the FSB SES Kalugin arrived for inspection at the Rosneft office in the presence of attesting witnesses with the participation of Ulyukaev and his driver Makarov, an expert from the FSB Institute of Forensic Science, operatives of the FSB SES. During the inspection, experts used an ultraviolet illuminator and machines for counting money.

The prosecutor again reads the description of the crime event: at 17.25, at the exit from the courtyard of Rosneft, Ulyukaev's car was parked, in which the minister and Makarov were. When they left, the car was blocked by FSB officers.

When inspecting Ulyukaev's car, a bag was found in the trunk. When asked what was in the bag, the minister replied that there was a "gift, a bottle of good wine" in the trunk. The minister clarified that he received it from Sechin, he himself put it in the trunk. After that, the fingers of Ulyukaev and Makarov were examined in the rays of ultraviolet light. The minister and the driver had intense marks on their hands. Makarov explained that he straightened the bag from the salon.

The key to the bag was in Ulyukaev's pocket, he himself took it out of his jacket pocket. Ulyukaev said Sechin gave him the key. It also had traces of a special substance. The bag contained 20 packs of 100 bills, $100 in each pack. There were also 30 polymer packages, which also contained money - 180 packs of $100 each. The total amount is 2 million dollars.

• 12.16

The prosecutor proceeded to the act of examining an employee of the K department of the FSB, Kalinichenko. In it, he reported on receiving labeled money from Feoktistov. Kalinichenko examined the banknotes in the presence of witnesses. They were packed in a bag, and not only banknotes, but also the bag itself were treated with a special preparation. Kashtanov's lawyer asks for the names of specialists and witnesses, but the prosecutor says that he is not obliged to give their data.

The experiment took place in the Rosneft office. The meeting between Sechin and Ulyukaev was held under audio and video surveillance, "Ulukaev's illegal activities were stopped," the document says.

Your Honor, how should we treat this document - as a whole or in part? I mean, can we refer to it further? - Gridnev is interested. As a result, he draws attention to the wording "the scene of the crime."

• 12.06

Now the prosecutor announces the “report on the crime committed” dated November 14 to the head of the SEB FSB Tkachev. It says that, on behalf of the government, VTB Capital has prepared a report on the upcoming deal to privatize Bashneft shares. Among the applications for participation in the transaction was a letter from Rosneft. On October 10, Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree approving the proposal of the Ministry of Economic Development on the alienation of Bashneft shares in favor of Rosneft.

At an unspecified time, Ulyukaev turned to Sechin with a demand to transfer $ 2 million to him "for assistance" in the adoption of the order of October 10. On November 14, 2016, in the Moscow office of Rosneft, Ulyukaev received a bribe from Sechin in the course of an investigative experiment in the amount of $2 million, which corresponds to a particularly large amount. The conclusion of the report refers to the qualification of Ulyukaev's actions in accordance with the Criminal Code.

• 11.58

The prosecutor began to read the documents. He was the first to read out a statement to the head of the FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, from Oleg Feoktistov, head of the Rosneft security service. From Sechin, he learned that Ulyukayev extorted $2 million from him for a positive assessment of the deal between Rosneft and Bashneft. Ulyukaev allegedly made it clear that in case of refusal he would interfere with the work of Rosneft.

“In view of the above, we give consent to participate in operational activities,” the document says. The signature under this phrase I.I. Sechin.

Gridnev wants to draw attention to something in this document. The judge says that the lawyer will be able to do this when the defense speaks. Then the judge clarifies what the lawyer wants to do - pay attention? Gridnev confirms. He notes that the statement was signed by Feoktistov, not Sechin. The prosecutor replies that the document was signed by both Feoktistov and Sechin. The judge agrees with the prosecutor and believes that Gridnev expresses an assessment that can only be expressed in a debate.

• 11.53

The judge is back. Prosecutor Neporozhny asks to change the procedure for examining evidence and move on to examining the case materials today. Lawyer Gridnev objects and believes that the change in procedure has no grounds under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Colleagues support Gridnev. The judge grants the prosecutor's request, since the prosecution, as well as the defense, can change the order in which evidence is presented.

Two boxes of papers were brought into the hall. Gridnev gets up and says that, according to Article 285 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the prosecutor must file a petition for the disclosure of specific documents. Gridnev asks the prosecutor to file a petition in which he will say which sheets he wants to read out. Neporozhny says that the defender cannot petition for the inadmissibility of evidence before it is read out.

This is not the issue, you must tell us what you are going to disclose,” says Gridnev, adding that he has the right to express an opinion on the petition, and then the judge must make a ruling on the petition.

The prosecutor asks to name the norm of the law, which obliges the prosecutor to name the pages and file a petition about it. A skirmish ensues between the prosecutor and Gridnev, the judge interrupts them. Semenova checks with Gridnev whether he made a petition or a remark. The lawyer says it's a motion.

Lawyers are in solidarity with a colleague. Filippchuk does not see any inconvenience for the defense when the prosecutor announces the materials, since the pages will be mentioned. The judge refuses to grant Gridnev's petition.

• 11.20

Lawyer Burkovskaya:

Did the wording that was deleted from the report in any way influence the main conclusion of this report that there are no restrictions on the participation of state-controlled or state-owned companies in the privatization of PJSC Bashneft?

I'm not ready to answer this question right now.

Lawyer Kashtanov:

During your work in the ministry, did Alexey Valentinovich correct any other documents that you prepared?

The prosecutor protests because this is beyond the scope of the prosecution. The referee accepts the protest.

Lawyer Burkovskaya comments and says that the investigator interrogated the witness about the privatization of Alrosa, but the judge reprimands her for speaking from the spot. Then Kashtanova asks if Ulyukaev ruled over any documents during the privatization of Alrosa. The witness does not remember.

The parties have no more questions for Moskvitina, she is released.

We will still have evidence, we ask for a break for 15 minutes, - says the prosecutor. Gridnev is interested in evidence or witnesses. “Witnesses in order, but there will be evidence,” the judge says smiling and leaves.

• 11.17

During the interrogation, Moskvitina said that some phrases from the report prepared by her department were deleted by the decision of Ulyukaev. For what reason he crossed them out, the witness could not then say. The witness confirms the testimony given during the investigation.

Question from prosecutor Filippchuk:

Did Ulyukaev have the right to make changes to the text of the document he signed?

The document that is leaving is its position on this or that issue. Certainly he was right.

Are you familiar with the term "binding offer"?

What does it mean?

We asked the agent for information about binding offers received. This means that these should be offers from companies, investors who are ready to buy these shares, and that they confirm this readiness and under no other conditions will not refuse to buy. So this is their final offer.

• 11.10

Neporozhny petitions for the disclosure of the protocol of Moskvitina's interrogation, since he found contradictions in her testimony. Gridnev sees no contradictions. All lawyers ask to refuse the petition, but the judge grants it.

According to the protocol of Moskvitina's interrogation dated February 10, 2017, the witness said that her department's report contained information that Rosneft was not subject to restrictions and could participate in the privatization of Bashneft. On August 26, Minister Ulyukaev publicly stated that Rosneft was the wrong buyer of a block of Bashneft shares.

Where is the contradiction here, I wonder? - lawyer Gridnev asks in a whisper.

Your honor, there are some replicas from the audience, made by no one knows who, - says the prosecutor.

After that, the judge threatens to remove the representatives of the press from the hall for the next remark.

• 11.00

Questions to the witness are asked by Kashtanov's lawyer:

During your work on preparing documents for the privatization of Bashneft, did you receive any letters from Rosneft?

Yes, they did. First, this is a letter that was attached to Dvorkovich's order. This is a letter to the president. And there was an additional letter to the ministry.

And what was that letter?

They wrote in detail how they wanted to participate in the deal, and about the upcoming deal.

When asked by the lawyer, Moskvitina says that the letter from Rosneft did not require a response, the ministry only had to prepare its position on it.

Now Burkovskaya. He is interested in the privatization of Alrosa - the witness was also involved in this transaction.

Was the process of preparing the privatization of Bashneft as standard as the process of preparing the privatization of other companies? Alrosa?

We prepared acts as required by government regulations.

And who had the right to decide whether to respond to Rosneft's letter or not? - the prosecutor asks the witness.

Well, look. When an order arrives, it indicates the responsible executor and co-executor. This is regulation of the government of the Russian Federation 260. As part of this breakdown, we were presented with a letter from Rosneft.

Let's start from the beginning. To whom was the letter addressed?

I do not remember.

Didn't you receive a letter? How do you decide whether to answer or not?

The witness says that only management can instruct her to answer any letter. In particular, her immediate boss Bezmenov, who, in turn, receives instructions from Tarasenko. Lawyer Gridnev protests against questions to the witness. The judge dismisses the prosecutor's question about who gives orders to Tarasenko.

• 10.56

Has the meeting ever discussed the issue of establishing additional criteria excluding the participation of companies directly or indirectly controlled by the state in participation in the privatization of Bashneft? - asks Gridnev.

What do you know about the appeal of the President of Bashkortostan to the government of the Russian Federation about the intention to sell a stake in Bashneft?

I remember that there was such an appeal, but I do not remember the details.

Answering Gridnev's question, Moskvitina says that she has not seen documents on the suspension of the Bashneft privatization deal.

• 10.52

Did the Federal Property Management Agency on this issue send their opinion to the Ministry of Economic Development regarding the possibility of participation of companies indirectly controlled by the state in the privatization of Bashneft?

The position of the Federal Property Management Agency was formulated there. It was a regular letter.

Do you remember who signed this letter?

Signed by the head of the registration department Stolyarov.

And what was the position of the Federal Property Management Agency regarding Dvorkovich’s order of August 27, 2016 regarding the privatization of Bashneft?

The position was that there are no legislative restrictions, but they can be imposed by a separate act of the government.

When preparing reports to the government, did you receive the opinion of the Ministry of Energy?

Yes, there was [Aleksey] Texler's position.

Who is Texler?

First Deputy Minister of Energy.

What was his position?

The Ministry of Energy called the participation of Rosneft in the deal inappropriate.

Gridnev recalls that Dvorkovich's order said "based on the inexpediency" of participation of state-owned companies in the deal. He wonders if this meant that Dvorkovich considered it inappropriate for Rosneft to participate in the deal. At the request of the prosecutor, the issue is removed.

• 10.49

In September, the witness and her colleagues began to prepare documents for the alienation of Bashneft shares.

Did you receive and request from VTB-Capital information about those offers that came from buyers?

There was a letter to VTB, I prepared it. We asked the agent what applications there are under this deal, to which we received an answer that there is a single application from Rosneft.

Do you know what was the offer from Rosneft?

The witness also prepared a draft order on the alienation of Bashneft shares for 329 billion rubles. The document indicated that the agent receives 1% of the transaction. Later, the document was sent to the government and the order was published.

Prosecutors have no more questions. Now Moskvitina is being asked questions by the lawyer of the former minister, Timofey Gridnev.

Have you read the report, which was prepared for the first time by VTB-Capital Bank?

- Was Rosneft listed as a potential buyer of Bashneft shares?

As far as I remember, it was indicated.

She can't remember the serial number.

In this report, the agent introduced additional criteria for selecting participants, including restrictions on participation in the privatization of Bashneft by companies directly or indirectly controlled by the state?

Based on practice, as a rule, general criteria are imposed. There were given criteria for investors who can act as a strategic investor.

The witness cannot say for sure whether there was a criterion named by Gridnev.

• 10.43

The prosecutor asks if everything is left in the report or if the minister crossed something out.

The report was corrected, but what exactly, I cannot say now.

And did your head, the head of the department Tarasenko, miss the wording that you voiced?

Lawyers ask the witness to speak louder.

Did the main points remain in the variation that went to Ulyukaev?

Are you talking about the draft report?

About the draft report.

Yes, they have.

After a second question, the witness says that he finds it difficult to answer.

After Minister Ulyukaev read the report and endorsed it, did you see the draft report?

Did he cross out those phrases that you spoke about, or did they remain?

Remained.

Do you remember or don't you remember?

Now the witness says he doesn't remember.

According to Moskvitina, Dmitry Medvedev's order was received to further study the deal with the participation of VTB Capital.

• 10.38

Did the government's report talk about the compliance or non-compliance of the conditions offered by the agent with the law on privatization? - specifies the prosecutor.

As far as I remember, there was nothing about this in that report, there were criteria ...

The prosecutor is interested in Dvorkovich's order.

Yes, it was an instruction to appeal to Rosneft.

What was stated verbatim, remember?

I remember that there was a resolution of the president: "I ask you to consider." To which Dvorkovich imposed his resolution.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked to consider the participation of Rosneft based on the inappropriateness of the participation of state-owned companies in the deal, the witness adds.

After that, the witness participated in the preparation of a report to the government.

What conclusion did you come to in the ministry?

We came to the conclusion that at the legislative level there are no restrictions on the participation of Rosneft.

What do you know about the position of the Minister of Economic Development Ulyukaev on this issue? Have you heard his speeches in the media?

Only what I heard in the media. It was somewhere in August. The media wrote that the minister seemed to have spoken out about the fact that Rosneft should not participate in this deal.

And why?

This is what I don't know.

Based on the results of the implementation of Dvorkovich's order, what report was prepared to the government and when?

Have you prepared a draft report?

Yes. We indicated that we took into account all the different aspects ...

Can you more clearly remember what exactly was indicated there?

We clearly wrote that the restrictions do not apply to our deal. We wrote that we have another deal in the future, this is the sale of Rosneft shares.

As the witness recalls, the report also indicated that it would be better for the budget if the stake in Rosneft was sold after the company acquired the shares in Bashneft.

• 10.34

It began in February 2016, when there was a meeting with the head of state, during which the ministry was instructed to select the banks that would accompany the transaction, the witness says. As a result, VTB-Capital was chosen as an agent, she recalls.

According to Moskvitina, the selection consisted of two stages: in the first, the top three were determined, and in the second, VTB Capital scored more points.

What was the final document that you prepared at this stage?

A draft government order was prepared. It was summer, I only remember that it came out on June 15 (2016).

The order stated that the government was attracting VTB Capital.

What was the remuneration for the agent?

1% of the transaction amount.

What do you know about the conclusion of an agency agreement?

Agency agreements of standard form were developed. The conditions there were standard, that the agent undertakes to start looking for investors, draw up a report that will present a method for the alienation of shares, and subsequently he will deal with the alienation of shares.

The method of alienating shares is a sale to a strategic investor, the witness clarifies at the request of the prosecutor. Dates have been set, but the witness can't exactly remember them.

The prosecutor is interested in whether there was a list of possible buyers in the VTB-Capital report.

There was a list of potential buyers, Gazprom was, Rosneft, Lukoil. Leading all companies.

This report was later sent to the government, Moskvitina says.

• 10.26

Prosecutor Boris Neporozhny asks to interrogate the witness for the prosecution. A tall girl with long dark hair in a blue blouse and black formal trousers enters the hall. She stands at the chair and introduces herself - Moskvitina Yulia Nikolaevna, born in 1992, place of birth - Moscow. Works at the Ministry of Economic Development as a Leading Advisor in the Corporate Governance Department. While the witness is signing, the judge again expresses something dissatisfied with the secretary and waves towards the hall.

Prosecutor Neporozhny began interrogation.

What position do you hold and what are your responsibilities?

Since summer 2016, he has been a senior advisor.

She participates in the preparation of reports to the government and the president, as well as responses to citizens' appeals.

What do you know about the privatization of Bashneft shares and the participation of Rosneft in this?

Moskvitina says that she was preparing a report on privatization for the government.

• 10.21

Ulyukaev came to the meeting in a black jacket and a small blue checkered shirt. At the table next to him are lawyers Jaredan Kveidze, Victoria Burkovskaya, Timofey Gridnev and Larisa Kashtanova.

Judge Larisa Semyonova entered the hall. Like last time, she began the meeting with a discussion of media applications for filming received by the court. He lists editions and then breaks off.

So, where did you put so many benches? - the judge asks the secretary with displeasure and nods towards the hall. The secretary answers quietly. Semenova asks the parties for their opinion on the bids. Prosecutors are still against filming the meeting, Ulyukaev and lawyers leave the decision to the discretion of the court. Semyonova refuses to shoot.

At the last meeting, the court questioned two witnesses for the prosecution. The first to speak was Andrey Baranov, the top manager of Rosneft, who is the director of the investor relations department of the oil and gas company. According to Baranov, Rosneft initially did not intend to take part in the privatization of Bashneft, but after receiving a letter that was sent to potential investors, it studied the issue and expressed its interest, as did Lukoil. Representatives of the latter offered a price for shares at the level of January 2016, although by this time - July 2016 - the capitalization of Bashneft had doubled.

Rosneft's intention to participate in the purchase of shares was covered in the media. In late July - early August, according to the witness, in the Russian media "a number of comments went" with reference to the Ministry of Economic Development that Rosneft, as a company that wants to participate in the purchase of the Bashneft stake, is not a proper buyer in connection with what is partly controlled by the state. Ulyukaev himself spoke about this, in particular. After that, Rosneft sent a letter to the minister, in which it tried to explain that it was the proper buyer of Bashneft shares and to convince that the company was more efficient than other market participants. However, the deal was put on hold. Baranov's company did not receive any official notifications from the Ministry of Economic Development. The prosecutor asked if Ulyukaev's position could have influenced the suspension of the deal. “Probably, yes, she could,” the witness replied, explaining that this was his opinion.

Already in September, Rosneft employees learned from the media that Ulyukaev called their company a “proper buyer”. “That is, in fact, the position has completely changed,” Baranov explained. On October 12, during one of the largest forums "Russia is calling", Rosneft signed an agreement on the purchase of shares. The state prosecutor asked what, according to the witness, made Ulyukaev change his mind about the Rosneft deal, but at the request of the defense, the question was dropped. The prosecutors insisted that Baranov's testimony, which he gave during the investigation, be read out in court. In a conversation with investigators, he said that he had the opinion "that Ulyukaev was looking for various options to exclude our company's participation in this transaction." After the testimony of the witness was read out, they were released.

Then Oksana Tarasenko, Director of the Department of the Ministry of Economic Development, spoke at the trial. She admitted that she, too, was surprised by Ulyukaev's statements that Rosneft was the "inappropriate buyer" of Bashneft.

On August 10, the witness prepared a draft report, which, among other things, stated that the participation of Rosneft would maximize the value of the stake, that there was no legal ban on the participation of the company. The position of Tarasenko's department was that the legislation does not restrict Rosneft's participation in the transaction, unless additional restrictions are introduced. The report stated that "the establishment of additional criteria for the transaction requires analysis."

Ulyukaev, according to Tarasenko, read the draft report and made some changes to it: he crossed out phrases that additional criteria would require additional analysis of the impact on the budget and that Rosneft's participation would create a competitive incentive. “Were these important phrases that should have remained, or were they unprincipled?” - said the prosecutor. The witness replied that rather yes.

According to Tarasenko, Ulyukaev did not discuss with her the position on the deal between Rosneft and Bashneft. The witness learned all his comments on this issue from the media.

Have you received any instructions from Minister Ulyukaev to delay the deal process? - the lawyer Victoria Burkovskaya asked the witness.

Ulyukayeva's lawyer also asked if the crossed-out phrases influenced the final decision on the privatization deal. According to the witness, it was too early for the deal - "there was another stage."

After questioning the witnesses, the lawyers asked the judge not to schedule hearings earlier than 11 a.m. - such a schedule prevents Ulyukaev from walking at the time allowed by the court. However, Judge Larisa Semyonova refused this request and scheduled all sessions in September for 10 am.

"Mediazona"

On Tuesday, the Zamoskvoretsky Court continued its consideration of the bribe case of the former Minister of Economic Development of Russia, Alexei Ulyukaev. During the process, the prosecutor's office presented, among the evidence of the guilt of the ex-minister, transcripts of conversations between the defendant and the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, which were recorded using audio recording equipment issued by the FSB before the arrest. “Kommersant” cites the text read out in the courtroom, which was published by “Mediazona” ( “Kommersant” apologizes to “Mediazona” for the fact that, due to a misunderstanding, the link was not placed immediately upon publication).

Telephone conversation between Sechin and Ulyukaev

Sechin: Hello, Alexey Valentinovich?

Receptionist Ulyukaeva: Igor Ivanovich, good afternoon, I'm connecting now.

Ulyukaev: Hello.

Sechin (laughs): Alexey Valentinovich, dear?

Ulyukaev: Yes, Igor Ivanovich? All in attention, how glad I am to hear from you.

Sechin: Don't tell me, me too. Well, firstly, I had unfulfilled assignments there, but there is readiness based on the results of work there ...

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: And, therefore, secondly, a lot of questions have accumulated there, both on the boards of directors and on everything.

Ulyukaev: Well, let's discuss everything.

Sechin: I have only one request - if you can, drive up to us for a second, because here, maybe ... Well, I'll show you in general. And look at the company in general.

Ulyukaev: Yes, I would love to see the company. But what.

Sechin: And in terms of time, I now have big negotiations at 14 will begin, for two hours.

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: Here, somewhere at 16:30, is that possible?

Ulyukaev: It is quite possible. Yes, I'm leaving tomorrow. By the way, will you be in Lima?

Sechin: I will be in Lima.

Ulyukaev: Well, I will also be in Lima, we can continue there.

Sechin: Let's work.

Ulyukaev: Continue to work? Come on, that's it, now.

Sechin: Here at 17.

Ulyukaev: Now just a second. No, a little later, if possible.

Sechin: Let's.

Ulyukaev: Yes, because I will start at 16.

Sechin: What time? At 18?

Ulyukaev: It's 17 now, come on at 18?

Sechin: A little earlier. Early.

Ulyukaev: At 5:30 pm?

Sechin: Come on at 17.

Ulyukaev: BUT?

Sechin: Can you do it at 17?

Ulyukaev (sighs): Yes, I have here, including your, in my opinion, different procurement companies. That's where I collect them. Come on at 17.

Sechin: At 17? Thanks a lot.

Ulyukaev: Let's.

Sechin: All hugs, thank you.

Meeting between Sechin and Ulyukaev. First recording device

Sechin: Tell Shokina (deputy manager of Rosneft affairs Olga Shokina - MZ), let her put the basket in the 206th and make tea for now. Yes, everything is great. Listen, are you without a jacket?

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: How do you even walk like that?

Ulyukaev: BUT?

Sechin: I need some kind of jacket.

Ulyukaev: No, no, no, why?

Sechin: Yes?

Ulyukaev: Certainly.

Sechin: Well, one second, okay, you sit for now.

Ulyukaev:... (reading out the transcript, the prosecutor says: “Ulyukaev - three dots”; this probably means the interlocutor’s unintelligible lowing)

Sechin: Well, firstly, I apologize for delaying the execution of the assignment, well, they were on business trips.

Ulyukaev: Certainly.

Sechin: Yes, while back and forth, they collected the volume. Well, you can consider that the task is completed.

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: ...

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: I warm up.

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Don't speak.

Ulyukaev: You need to find out when the car is, and this is the most, whether it is overheating, always when the distance is short.

Sechin: Well, yes.

Ulyukaev: They think just a little.

Sechin: Right.

Ulyukaev: Green fence.

Sechin: So, will Shokin bring tea?

Man: Yes Yes.

Sechin: And a sausage basket.

Man: There is.

Sechin: Yes, a few words. More about the company. So, in 1998, in principle, when they started working, the company produced 4 million tons of oil. 4 million tons. In fact, no one needed her. So she slipped into the era of privatization.

Ulyukaev: Well, yes, abroad.

Sechin: So, well, then the courts, the return of the withdrawn assets began. Here is an interesting page, the fourth.

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Sechin: What have we created during this time? Here are the main indicators of oil companies whose shares are traded on the stock exchange. This means that this is the resource base, current production and production costs. Only public companies were compared. This means that we are the first in the world in terms of resource base and exploration. In terms of current production, it ranks first among companies. The cost price is also, as it were, the most highly competitive. But here you need...

Ulyukaev: Now, if you look, I will kill the capitalization of the company. These positions, it will be clear that the asset costs a multiple of two, two and a half times cheaper than other assets comparable in terms of characteristics.

Sechin: We are. Except for one nuance - the tax base. We have the heaviest tax base compared to any other companies. The heaviest in the world, that is. Here you can boldly add 25 to these two and three, this will be taking into account the tax base. Plus transportation. Here, consider, relatively speaking, 35 is the lower limit for us.

Ulyukaev: Operating profitability?

Sechin: No, I mean the bottom price level.

Ulyukaev: That's what I'm talking about, which provides operational break-even, without taking into account loan servicing and everything else.

Sechin: Yes, which will allow us to provide additional operating profitability. Therefore, the situation is not so simple, we need to deal with the tax base.

Ulyukaev: You have to do it, for sure. It is not only big, but growing, growing.

Sechin: Growing and killing. I talked to the same ENI there, they donate 2 billion euros to the Italian budget. We are 50 billion. This is a plus to the fact that you are asking us today to add 17 there. We have already given some of them, and we are already generating 50 billion annually. So, of course, we need to think about it. Exxon has a total fiscal burden of 43%, of course, and shares are expensive. Understand?

Ulyukaev: Well, of course.

Sechin: Because it is stable 43, and I have 80. So we are counting on the growth of interest there. It's hard, yes. It means that here it is interesting, for example, BP. This is why I am now working with shareholders, telling them about the underestimated elements that they must take into account. Here bipeers were in the first column outside the first ten. As soon as they bought our shares, they became the fourth. And why? Because we allowed to put the resource base on the balance, in proportion to ownership.

Ulyukaev: So they have 20%? Fifth part?

Sechin: Yes. And they immediately jumped out to another level.

Ulyukaev: Wait, if they put your resource base on their balance sheet, you don't have a balance left?

Sechin: Remains, remains. Oil remains. But it doesn't cost us anything at all. It's just permission to use them. And they also report on our geological exploration. We are doing a 150% replacement there, and they also consider themselves 20% of this replacement. And that's what the covenant improves for them there. The same for mining. They would never have gone beyond this level of production if they had not given our projects too.

Ulyukaev: If not, then it would be 20 with a small tail, which means they would be below ten.

Sechin: Yes, yes, yes, absolutely. Of course, we have taken a very serious step, as you know, in India to acquire Essar. I wanted to ask, I will apply, it will be necessary to support project financing ...

Ulyukaev: …

Sechin: This project…

Ulyukaev: Listen, will there be Iranian oil there?

Sechin: Part Iraqi, part Venezuelan, part Iranian. 20 million tons of processing, a very high Nelson index - 11.8. Deep water port and 2700 gas stations. This is such a project for this market - simply unique.

Ulyukaev: But their own refills through them. What part of the processing, how much goes through its network of gas stations?

Sechin: About I can tell you, about. Somewhere in the fourth part.

Ulyukaev: Fourth part.

Sechin: Yes, part four. They have a plant there, maybe the terminal allows export-import operations with crude oil.

Ulyukaev: No. Because visiting Indians is a big deal.

Sechin: Yes.

Ulyukaev: This is essentially the first such major attempt, no one has succeeded.

Sechin: Yes it's true. So what else can I say. In terms of development technology, we occupy a serious leading position, if we are not approaching the world leaders, then we are stepping on our heels very seriously. But it still depends on us ... it is connected with our equipment. For example, in the United States for hydraulic fracturing, equipment allows you to make up to 30 or more fractures at a time. We do 12–15, up to 20. But they have different compressors, there is more pressure, different proppants are a special fraction that is pumped into a fracture during hydraulic fracturing and does not allow the rock to collapse, creating a reservoir base for collecting oil or gas. Previously, we used sand, but the sand is washed out with water; Americans are now using new types of proppants with a changing center of gravity, they cling, they have all sorts of sharp edges, they cling and are not washed out of the rock. There are many nuances, but we are developing despite the wishes of OPEC, I think that we should be ready for slyness anyway, and I reported to Vladimir Vladimirovich about this as well. The fact is that they are all preparing the development of prey, everything. So, Venezuela, well, I just know absolutely for sure, now they held a tender, and Schlumberger won $ 3.6 billion to increase drilling services. That is, they plan to raise production by 250 thousand barrels per day within six months. So the first one. Second. Iran will increase, they are now already 3.9 - 4.9, they have a plan to reach, add a million tons of barrels.

Ulyukaev: They and 4 somewhere ready to be frozen.

Sechin: 3.9 now, and 4.9 want.

Ulyukaev: 4. No, no, they are ready to be frozen at 4.3.

Sechin: Well.

Ulyukaev: Well, probably yes.

Sechin: Yes. I don't think anyone is telling the truth. And they all need, I think, Iraq, Nigeria, they all need about six months to issue additional volumes. And these six months, if we freeze it, will give the Americans a little bit of oxygen to give oil shale. And here, it seems to me, the slyness lies in this: now to support shale oil here.

Ulyukaev: Yes.

Ulyukaev: This will be used.

Ulyukaev: Plus, during this time, the Trump administration, and he is very pro-traditional sources, he is very much going to support production.

Sechin: Yes. He wants to support prey, it's true. He stated it.

Ulyukaev: He will be ready for tax…

Sechin:...benefits and funding. He stated this repeatedly, this is his thesis of the election program.

Ulyukaev: This must be taken into account. He will need some time, because there is an adaptation of the administration. This is perhaps his central point.

Sechin: This must be taken into account. But in general, we are working quietly, Lesha.

Ulyukaev: Look, with regard to taxes, I am completely on your side with both hands in everything. I think that we are acting short-sighted, and therefore ridiculous. We distort the completely future picture of the world. We want to attract investments. We will not attract investment and we will undermine our own climate of the investment base. And this is a completely dead-end path, especially when it comes to old deposits. There you just need to drill and pump, drill and pour water. You cannot stop this process. And if you fall...

Sechin: Well, how...

Ulyukaev: Well, how are you going to do it at a loss? This is strange.

Sechin: Certainly.

Ulyukaev: Strange, therefore, the logic, which is no good. Therefore, of course, we are, of course, 100% for. And of course, you need several such international ones ...

Sechin: Lesha, I beg you. Don't be offended by us for all these delays.

Ulyukaev: No, Igor, why?

Sechin: Well, I felt it storm a little, yes.

Ulyukaev: No, you give me...

Sechin: We are working on privatization, that means. I met today, tomorrow I fly to Europe. The main thing, I'll tell you, is the following: they are ready to lend in full, they don't particularly want to buy. Therefore, we make different offers there, we compose different carrots in order to drag them into promotions. It means that progress is being made in Asia, the Japanese - you know, they have now made changes to the legislation, after all, the emperor must now sign it, but it has already been submitted to parliament, we are also working with them.

Ulyukaev: With whom with them?

Sechin: Well, with everyone there.

Ulyukaev: Well, OK.

Sechin: There are more with the young.

Ulyukaev: More with young people?

Sechin: Yes. Well, we work, and do not relax. And, in general, I don’t want to say anything yet, but we are working hard to complete the task in full.

Ulyukaev: Here I am, honestly, from today's considerations, I would very much like to attract the Japanese. All these Indians - all this is not the same, you will not get anything from the Indians.

Sechin: We work with Koreans. No, not the Chinese, not the Indians, it's...

Ulyukaev: I don't need it at all.

Sechin: There will be no synergy with them anymore.

Ulyukaev: Absolutely, but those can be obtained.

Sechin: These can, yes, and I also think that these can. They are very pragmatic, of course, they want to fulfill their main task - to switch to ... to get political advantages there, on the territory there, we even raised such questions during the negotiations, but we rejected it.

Ulyukaev: Well, of course.

Sechin: They immediately said: guys, no.

Ulyukaev: They are doing well now. What does it mean to decide… Abe has to show something to his people, they tell him, you are making constant concessions to the Russians. He will say: yes, why, I am acquiring very interesting assets, this is a guaranteed supply of our country with energy resources for decades to come. I create for the Japanese.

Sechin: So how is it?

Ulyukaev: It was quite profitable for them.

Sechin: You know, we, I just tell them that, guys, the essence of our proposals is this: you get a share, a share in the company, this is the first condition for the development of joint projects. So, our second proposal, after the share, is the creation of a joint venture (joint venture.- "b") for extraction, transportation and joint work in the markets. We gave them a proposal that if you do this, then you will get access to the central Tatar section of the Verkhnechonskaya Dolka and a number of other deposits that we are developing together with you. True, you get a minority stake here, but if you go for it, then in case of force majeure we take an obligation - deliveries only to the Japanese market.

Ulyukaev: This is very important for them, they are very dependent on the Gulf. They need to balance.

Sechin: This is exactly what we say, if there is force majeure, and what is force majeure - we can prescribe a price change of 20%, for example, a price increase by 20% or a decrease by 20%, a sharp change in the market situation, that's it, then this the enterprise begins to supply the entire volume of production only to you, and you reduce any dependence on other suppliers, in general, our offers are very decent and balanced, we are working. There are risks of delaying deadlines, so deadlines are of fundamental importance here. They are trying to turn cancer into a stone about tender procedures there and so on, but they themselves are waiting for the results of the visit. Therefore, we told them: the government's order has come out, so we don't know anything - we ourselves are already in this situation, we must sign it before the fifth day. Keep this in mind, this is no longer our competence, it was the competence of the government. Please, we can announce on the 15th if everything fits in with you. So, yes, on the date of signing, we told them - transfer the 10% advance here to us, which, if you do not conclude a deal, it becomes the property of the company. Well, here are the conditions.

Ulyukaev: Clear. Well, it will be important right now in Lima on the 20th (on November 20 last year, the APEC-MZ summit was held in Peru), where the boss will meet with Abe, this is a must.

Sechin: Yes, I will be in Lima.

Ulyukaev: That's it, yes, I will too. And even before that, a day earlier, I met with this Seko (Hiroshige Seko - Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in the government of Shinzo Abe - MZ), there, too, he still needs to be crushed, the minister of this same one responsible for Russia.

Sechin: Well, yes, yes. This is how they move. I can’t say that they somehow leave us completely, there, aside ...

Ulyukaev: Uh-huh.

Sechin: No, they have a plan, they are making attempts, they directly said, “It will be hard for us if there is no progress.” I told them, no, guys, don't contact me about these issues. We are soldiers, we are told what we do, and this is no longer our diocese. Lesha, thank you very much, I'm not delaying you, you have a difficult schedule.

Ulyukaev: Yes, now I’ll drop by the courses on the way.

Sechin: Let's go to?

Man: From Ivanovich? (laughs)

Sechin: Yes, you need to go to that entrance.

Ulyukaev: …

Meeting between Sechin and Ulyukaev. Second recorder

Motor noise.

Sechin: Well, okay, heh... with him (the prosecutor says: "heh with him", what exactly Sechin said is unclear - MOH). But here you can ... there, as it were ... well, yeah ...

Man: Drive here?

Sechin: Yes, go tell Shokina, let her put the basket in the 206th and make tea for now. Ugh, that's enough.

A noise, a rustle is heard.

Sechin: Listen, are you without a jacket, huh? How do you even walk like that?

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Exactly this. I need some kind of jacket.

Ulyukaev: No, no, no, why?

Sechin: Yes? Well, one second, you sit for now, okay.

A rustle, steps are heard.

Sechin: So, you are now one second, second, yeah, I'm so short then so that you don't freeze. Well, first of all, I apologize for the delay in completing the assignment. We were on a business trip.

Ulyukaev: Well, life, of course.

Sechin: So while back and forth, we collected the volume. But in general, you can consider the task completed. Here, take it, put it down and let's go have a cup of tea.

Ulyukaev: Yes?

Sechin: So, here is a key for every firefighter (the key was marked with the same special solution as the bag and money used in the operational experiment; the prosecutor especially singled out the words about the key and “take it, put it back” during the announcement of the decryption - MOH).

Ulyukaev: Yes, let's go.

Sechin: Yeah.

Knocks, clatter, sounds of zippers and the rustle of clothes.

Sechin: My body does not tolerate cold at all, I warm myself.

Ulyukaev: We need to find out when the car is the most, overheating ...

Sechin: BUT?

Ulyukaev: Always when the distance is short.

Sechin: Well, yes.

Ulyukaev: <нрзб>

Sechin: Right.

Ulyukaev: Green...

Sechin: So Shokin will bring tea?

Unnamed Man: Yes Yes.

Sechin: And there is a basket.

Man: There is.

Sechin: ...

Man: Bring some tea.

Man: Hello, yes. Ah, let me clarify. Everything is fine there. Drinking tea, here. Here, simply, according to your order, no cars are allowed out of the territory, we are guarding the regime. Or can it be released? BUT? And yes, yes. Well, he drinks tea with a visitor. Yes, yeah. Everything, I understand, yes, well, there is, everything, there is. Okay, okay, yeah, there is. Hello Hello? Well, is everything okay? Yes. In the sense that the regime was preserved? Everybody come on. Hello Hello? Yes? All right, there is, but I'll just type everything. Yes, yes, I understand, okay, yes, yes, yeah.

The sound of a car engine and a phone call are heard.

Man: Yes. Well, here I am, yes, yes, hello, hello. The car came, I cooked.

Motor noise is heard.

Man (on phone): Yes?

Sechin: ...

Man (laughs): From Ivanovich?

Sechin: Yes, there is an entrance.

The rustle of clothes.

Sechin: yeah

Ulyukaev: Little basket.

Sechin: Yes, take the basket.

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Everyone is happy, thank you very much.

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Goodbye.

Meeting between Sechin and Ulyukaev. Third recorder

Motor noise.

Sechin: Get in the parking lot there, yes, you get up in the parking lot, get up in the parking lot, get up in the parking lot. Okay, God be with him. He stands there on the side. And so are we now.

Man: <нрзб>put it in a parking lot, please.

Sechin: Yes, great, I'll put it in the parking lot now.

The sound of the motor, the door, the rustle of clothes.

Sechin: Does he know where to go?

Unnamed Man: Posted a guard there.

Sechin: BUT?

Man: He put people on the street to suggest how to get there.

Sechin: Oh good.

Man: ...

Sechin: Okay. But here is it possible? There. Ah, that's it, yes.

Man: ...

Sechin: Tell Shokina to put the basket in 206 and make tea for now. (To Ulyukaev, who entered - MOH) Oh, listen, are you without a jacket, huh? How do you even walk like that?

Ulyukaev: BUT?

Sechin: Exactly this. You need some kind of jacket.

Ulyukaev: No need, no need.

Sechin: Yes, yes, yes, sit down for a second, okay? So, you are now, ah, well... I'm so, short, so that you don't freeze. Well, first of all, I apologize for the delay in completing the assignment. Well, there were business trips.

Ulyukaev: Well, life, of course.

Sechin: So far, the volume has been collected back and forth. But you can consider that the task is completed. Here, take your luggage and let's go and have a cup of tea. So, here is the key for every firefighter (The prosecutor especially highlighted these words during the announcement of the transcript - MOH).

Ulyukaev: ...

Sechin: Yeah. My body can't stand the cold anymore.

At this point, the third entry read out by the prosecutor is interrupted.

What were Igor Sechin and Alexei Ulyukaev talking about before the minister received the "basket" with two million dollars? Fontanka was helped to understand this by experts - an oil and gas analyst and a political scientist.

Dmitry Azarov/Kommersant

The last conversation between the head of Rosneft, Igor Sechin, and Alexei Ulyukaev, before the arrest of the ex-minister of economic development, was read out by the prosecution in court. From this it did not become clearer why the minister personally went for a bribe of twenty kilos of dollars, although mankind had long ago come up with offshore companies. Fontanka asked two experts to interpret the conversation between Ulyukaev and Sechin from two points of view: from the economic and gas and political. To whom was this text addressed and why did they meet at all? Explain the partner of the consulting company RusEnergy Mikhail Krutikhin and political scientist, economist, until 2002 - a member of the government Vladimir Milov.

Recall the content of the previous series. In the summer and autumn of 2016, there was discussion of the privatization of Rosneft and Bashneft. The Ministry of Economic Development, headed by Alexei Ulyukaev, was against the scheme, according to which state-owned companies actually bought themselves out. Then it changed its mind, but the minister was still invited to visit by the head of Rosneft. It was November 14th. At the exit from the territory of Rosneft, a barrier blocked the road for Ulyukaev's car. The minister sat in the car for several hours, then he was detained, and then placed under house arrest.

The prosecution claims that Ulyukaev extorted a bribe with threats in exchange for approving privatization schemes, Sechin was forced to agree, but complained to the FSB. General Feoktistov was working in his security service just then quite by chance (he later returned to the Lubyanka). Ulyukaev was detained, according to the prosecution, at the moment when he was putting a bag with money in the trunk. Sechin gave him two million dollars in two cases.

At the next meeting of the Zamoskvoretsky District Court of the capital, where the trial of the ex-minister is taking place, the state prosecutor announced the transcript of the audio recordings made in Sechin’s office on November 14, 2016. We emphasize: it was not the recordings themselves that were heard, but the transcripts made by the investigation. You can get acquainted with them on the Mediazone website.

From the records, we learn that Sechin was the initiator of the meeting. He not only called Ulyukaev "to look at the company", but also insisted on the time of the visit. Already at the office, the conversation turned to the “basket”, which Rosneft, on someone's behalf, had been preparing for a long time for a dear guest - and now they have finally assembled it. And as if all this time sausage was packed there. They say that the oil company really has such a tradition - to welcome guests with food packages. Sechin asks for forgiveness for delaying the "basket". Whoever gave the very order to complete it remains behind the scenes.

“Ulyukaev came to hear the editorial of the Pravda newspaper

You read the transcript - an uninteresting conversation about Rosneft and just about oil. For the uninitiated, its content is interpreted by Mikhail Krutikhin.

- Mikhail Ivanovich, if you take out the transfer of the "basket" for brackets, why did they meet?

- It's impossible to say, because the conversation itself is some kind of strange political information. The head of the state oil and gas company, besides the executive secretary of the commission on the fuel and energy complex, in a conversation with the minister, suddenly issues something like a press release. Intended not for the interlocutor, but for some third person. It seems that both worked for the public.

- Why both? Ulyukaev says almost nothing, only from time to time echoing Sechin's monologues.

- I suspect that Ulyukaev already knows very well what is happening at Rosneft. And with some surprise, he listens to this theatrical performance. There is absolutely no information in their conversation.

How is it not? Sechin complains to the minister that his tax base is "the heaviest in the world." Maybe the person just wanted to ask for tax breaks?

- He cannot ask the Ministry of Economic Development about this, because taxation issues are resolved at the presidential level. Therefore, in everything that Sechin says about taxes, there is also neither information nor a request to the minister.

But Ulyukaev agrees: yes, they say, "it is necessary to do it." He says that he understands Sechin. What does he understand and what does he agree with?

– He agrees with what everyone now understands: the current system of taxation in the industry is far from fair. The government recently approved a plan that would change the system to encourage investment in exploration and production. Companies will be able to pay taxes after making a profit. All oilmen agree with this, they are supported by the Ministry of Energy. The only opposing force was not Ulyukayev's ministry, but the Ministry of Finance. And by the way, I understand his reasoning. The new system could lead companies to inflate costs on paper.

- In what part of the conversation does Sechin discuss this key point with Ulyukaev? I do not see.

“They just don’t discuss it.

– The Indian project is very dependent on oil supplies from Venezuela. And Venezuela is either disrupting supplies, or all in debt. In general, this project has huge problems. Presenting this as a success for Rosneft is far from reality. Sechin is simply broadcasting a propaganda version here.

And he tells Ulyukaev that the oil will still be Iranian and Iraqi. And it gives out a lot of numbers that really color the company.

- That's just Iranian and Iraqi - this is oil that Rosneft does not own, it must be purchased on the foreign market, that is, the company has no merit in this. But the minister should know all this.

They also talk about freezing oil production: this will benefit America, its shale projects will receive a “time lag for preparing new volumes”, we will “lose markets” ...

- Here are two men sitting in a pub - and discussing the fact that the Volga flows into the Caspian Sea. Yes everything is correct. But why talk about it with the minister?

Maybe the freeze on oil production was such a burning issue that Sechin needed to urgently discuss it with the minister? So Ulyukaev is worried: "This must be taken into account." Sechin agrees: “We are working quietly, Lesha.”

– In fact, oil exports from Russia are not decreasing, but increasing. That is, Russian companies, including Rosneft, do not fulfill their obligations to OPEC. They are also increasing production. And why discuss it with the minister?

But they are both going to Lima for the APEC summit. Sechin says: "Yes, I will be in Lima." Ulyukaev still thinks that he "will also be." Maybe before Lima it was necessary to have time to discuss something, what will be decided there?

– Sechin is simply trying to present Rosneft as a global energy company. It's all the same pouting. Meanwhile, almost all the oil that Rosneft produces in Russia has been pledged to the Chinese for many years to come. Under the money given by the Chinese for the acquisition of Rosneft. And then Sechin says that the company is expanding its activities around the world.

Who is he talking to? A minister about whom he knows that in half an hour he will be arrested and he will no longer be a minister?

“I can't make any assumptions here. Ulyukaev came to the man so that he, in fact, read out the editorial of the Pravda newspaper to him. Why did he even go there? He could well have been invited to talk about something real, but instead they began to hang noodles on their ears.

- Probably, in this case, he would have asked: Igor Ivanovich, and you, in fact, why did you call me?

Yes, it would be better to ask.

“Ulyukaev had to be smoked out of the car”

Vladimir Milov takes the baton: if the conversation about the economy and oil was not the subject of the meeting, then why did Igor Sechin invite Alexei Ulyukaev to visit? And why did the minister receive two million dollars and handcuffs on the way out of this meeting?

- Vladimir Stanislavovich, why was this strange meeting necessary?

- We do not know anything about this story at all, except for some leaks from Igor Sechin. Therefore, I suggest not to succumb and analyze the full range of possibilities. First, Ulyukaev did take the money.

- In the basket.

- Two million in hundred dollar bills is 20 kilograms of money.

- In a very large basket.

- This will not fit into any basket, here you have to drag two large bales. I think that some kind of basket could be, but it does not matter. The first option - Ulyukaev went to take the money. Secondly, there are a number of controversial situations related to both the Ministry of Economic Development and Rosneft. In particular, they discuss tax incentives and production costs. The government has been talking about this all the time. If you take the press for that time, you will see how Rosneft is constantly begging for tax breaks. The reason for the visit could be an attempt to acquaint Ulyukaev with some Sechin calculations. In principle, what they discussed fits into such a scheme that the Ministry of Economic Development can be an ally of Rosneft on the issue of benefits against the Ministry of Finance.

According to Mikhail Krutikhin, they did not discuss anything new there. In addition, Ulyukaev agrees with Sechin in everything, he no longer needs to be convinced.

Before analyzing their conversation, understand the basics. One of the participants in the conversation, Sechin, simply does not understand the economic aspects. The second, Ulyukaev, is a literate person, but not very versed in the oil sector. And do not be surprised that their conversation is superficial and consists of some kind of rubbish. In addition, we were given fragments - and we do not know how complete this conversation is.

I'm talking not only about the content, but also about the form. Here are quotes from Sechin: “In terms of development technology, we occupy a serious leading position, if we are not getting close to world leaders, then we are stepping on our heels”, “We are developing, despite the wishes of OPEC, I reported to Vladimir Vladimirovich”, “This is such a project for market, unique. Is that how people talk?

- I worked in the government for six years in leadership positions, I know the persons involved in the conversation personally. And it does not surprise me that their conversation is a mixture of officialdom and rubbish. What else can Sechin say? Such people learn phrases by heart. They mutter, they mumble. In addition, here before us are people, between whom there is a huge wall. They are rivals. There is no informal communication between them. This is one of the rare contacts.

And don't say that. Sechin calls Ulyukaev Lyosha, he cares that he can freeze without a jacket. He shares that he is warming himself.

- Sechin, as we now know, Ulyukaev should have been swindled into something. But formally, Ulyukaev is the boss whom he must convince of something.

Then why is Ulyukayev the chief going to Sechin? And not just driving. Sechin touted him, even insisted on time - and Ulyukaev obeyed.

- He is the boss in the sense that the solution of some issues of Sechin depends on his signature. But their political weight, of course, is different. And of course, not in favor of Ulyukaev. Ulyukaev said that he did not want to go. But it was an offer hard to refuse. Or maybe he just hoped that he would smooth out some corners in this conversation.

Where in this transcript are signs that they are rivals, that there are some angles? Ulyukaev all the time agrees: “Of course, we are 100 percent for it,” “I am completely on your side with both hands.”

- I think he had something to say, but he did not do it. Although I would not attach any importance to the content of the conversation. Here it is necessary to analyze the general context at that time. And in the general context, they were just opponents, in particular - on the privatization of Rosneft and Bashneft. Perhaps Ulyukaev wanted to relieve some tension.

- That is, he went to be friends, and his ...

- Yes Yes. This is very typical for them. They perceive such softness as weakness: it means that they need to finish it off. It's in their blood.

There are strange moments in the conversation. Here they are discussing taxes, Sechin is giving a monologue. Ulyukaev agrees, begins the phrase: “And of course, we need several of these international ones ...” Sechin cuts him off in mid-sentence and transfers the conversation to that very “basket”. Did he see that it was time to get down to business?

- There is such a feeling. But I think that there is not enough information to draw conclusions. We don't see the whole picture. We see only fragments that Sechin shows us so that we start shouting “stop the thief!”. You never know what they could actually discuss there?

With the version that it was a conversation about the economy, one thing prevents me from agreeing: Sechin says all this to a man who will be arrested in half an hour.

– But Ulyukaev does not know this. Sechin knows this, but he cannot reveal it in the course of the conversation. Although, I repeat, we have very few details for conclusions.

- Are your sympathies on the side of Ulyukaev?

- Not certainly in that way. I have no sympathy for Ulyukaev. But about Sechin, I have complete confidence, confirmed by the facts in this case, that he carried out a provocation. This is the usual secret service wiring. Interpretations of audio recordings can be any. Show me real evidence. And there is another moment. They couldn't detain Ulyukayev in the city. This was done only in the Rosneft office and by the forces of its security service. To do this, he had to actually block his exit. He sat in the car for many hours. This suggests that they did not have sufficient legal grounds. They had to lure him into the office and actually take him hostage, and then smoke him out of the car, holding him in front of the barrier.

They understood that the Minister of Economics would not immediately put his hands into a suitcase with money to get smeared in paint.

- My version - the money was not intended personally for Ulyukaev. It could have been some kind of bonus for the employees of the ministry who were working on the Rosneft deal. Then immediately there is a lot of logic. They understood that Ulyukaev would not take the money himself. He can act only as such an intermediary courier. Therefore, it had to be taken only here and now.

- As long as he and the money are at least in one car?

- In any case, this explains why it was taken at the Rosneft office. Maybe, in another case, Ulyukaev would not have gone to Sechin, but he said: I am ready to pay your employees, but you come to me personally. And it was Ulyukaev's mistake. Although it cannot be ruled out that he still took the money for himself.

- Minister of Economy, who does not know how to get money by bank transfer?

- Yes, this is an implausible version. But do not forget that Ulyukaev is a representative of the "old guard". Anything can happen. But it is necessary to demand reinforced concrete evidence, but there is none. But there are a lot of signs that indicate that not everything is clean here.

Interviewed by Irina Tumakova, Fontanka.ru