Warsaw Prosecutor launches offset deal investigation

The Warsaw Prosecutor has begun an investigation concerning one of the largest arms contracts in Poland - the sale of Spike anti-tank missiles to the Polish army by Israeli firm Rafael. Two years ago the execution of the $350 million agreement was commenced and the firm pledged to carry out offset transactions worth at least $440 million. "I confirm that an investigation was initiated. It is related to the issue of the lack of proper supervision over the execution of the offset program of Rafael," commented Maciej Kujawski, spokesman of the Warsaw Prosecutor. The whole investigation was begun in part due to articles in Puls Biznesu, which reported that problems related to carrying out offset obligations are due to the mysterious Beldor Business Corporation (BBC) - a company entrusted by Rafael to carry out non-military offset obligations. Despite this, BBC claims that it is carrying out its obligations properly, and so far has launched projects worth $26.3 million. (Puls Biznesu, pp. 1, 4) M.M.