Polotsk businessman Zakharau, against whom an in-absentia criminal case was opened, returned to Belarus and received 5 years in a penal colony
He faces both political and economic charges.
Uladzimir Zakharau. Photo: forum.gipsyteam.ru
Uladzimir Zakharau was sentenced to 5 years of imprisonment in a penal colony under general regime conditions on February 28, 2025. He was tried under two articles:
- Art. 243 of the Criminal Code — evasion of payment of taxes, duties;
- Art. 369-1 of the Criminal Code — discrediting Belarus.
In his prime, Uladzimir Zakharau was a wealthy businessman, owning a large amount of real estate in Polotsk and Novopolotsk. But in 2023, as reported by state media, three criminal cases were initiated against him, and his property was seized, including 68 real estate objects, 23 of which are shopping centers.
Claims against Zakharau arose regarding the fragmentation of his business; he himself, without waiting for arrest, left Belarus.
From abroad, the businessman launched a real struggle for his considerable assets. Trying to negotiate, he wrote letters to then-Prime Minister Raman Halouchanka, KGB head Ivan Tsertsel, Chairwoman of the Council of the Republic Natallia Kachanava, and others.
In them, he called the opposition "zhopposition" (a derogatory term combining "ass" and "opposition") and assured that his "position on historical issues and contemporary problems (the topic of Ukraine)" fully coincides with the position of the current government in Belarus. We published some of these letters.
It appears Zakharau failed to reach an agreement. In spring, the businessman was invited to return to Belarus and appear at the Investigative Committee Department for the Vitebsk region. It seems he accepted this invitation.
On February 28, 2025, he was sentenced, and on December 24, Zakharau was included in the list of citizens of Belarus, foreign citizens, and stateless persons involved in extremist activities.
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