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Coronavirus pandemic

Putin tells FSB to combat theft of budget funds earmarked for anti-pandemic measures

Putin said that in 2020 the activity of 87 criminal groups had been thwarted in the economic sphere

Russian President Vladimir Putin Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

Russian President Vladimir Putin

© Mikhail Klimentyev/TASS

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. The struggle against corruption at all levels of power, including theft of budget funds allocated for the struggle against the novel coronavirus pandemic, must continue, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a board meeting of the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Wednesday.

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"There must be a systematic struggle against corruption in the economic sphere at all levels of power," Putin said. "I draw your undivided attention to preventing the theft and misuse of budget funds, first and foremost, allocated for the construction of strategic facilities, government programs, state defense contract and the struggle against the coronavirus infection."

"All of these funds must be used wisely, and in strict accordance with the purposes that they are meant for, [that is] for the benefit of Russian citizens," he added.

Putin said that in 2020 the activity of 87 criminal groups had been thwarted in the economic sphere.

"I am asking you to work as effectively as before in cooperation with other relevant agencies to make your contribution to ensuring the stability of the economy and the financial system, and within your powers to continue to support and protect Russian businesses and our companies against criminal encroachments and unfair competition on global markets," Putin told FSB personnel.

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