Naftogaz: Armored Mercedes Needed to Protect CEO from Gazprom

Naftogaz explains the need to purchase an armored car for CEO Andriy Kobolyev, the head of the company, with the risks related to the proceedings in Stockholm Arbitration, Interfax Ukraine reports.

"Only regarding the Gazprom cases, the total amount of claims against us is $38.7 billion with all interest, and we are claiming over $26.6 billion. A hearing of both cases is scheduled for autumn. The head of Naftogaz is not only a witness in both cases, but also the head of the plaintiff company, the person who acts in the name of the company and makes all decisions regarding these cases," the company statement says.

The company explained their decision to buy an armored car as ‘standard business logic’. The statement says that the ultimate goal is to be able to win the Stockholm Arbitration. However, Naftogaz has recently been offered to lease a similar car free of charge: "If this information [about the free of charge lease] is confirmed, we will cancel the results of the tender and take this offer."

Naftogaz has announced a tender to buy an armored premium class car, Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard, for ₴5.1 million.

Source: Ekonomichna Pravda