Rosatom refutes embezzlement allegations in Rooppur nuke project

Rosatom State Corporation has issued a firm statement addressing the persistent circulation of misleading and false information regarding alleged embezzlement in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project, which has appeared in various media outlets in Bangladesh.

Despite two prior press releases refuting these claims, such rumors continue to surface. In a bid to put an end to these speculations, Rosatom has clarified the financial mechanisms involved in the Rooppur NPP project, highlighting the transparent utilization of Russian export credits.

According to the corporation, as of September 3, 2024, approximately $7.8 billion of $11.9 billion provided by Russia under state export credits for the project has been utilized. This funding includes $491.3 million under the first agreement dated January 15, 2013, and $7.3 billion under a second agreement from July 26, 2016. The second credit facility, which totals $11.38 billion, is 64% utilized, with the remaining funds to be used by the end of 2024.

Rosatom emphasized the impossibility of corruption within the project, as Russian laws prevent the direct transfer of credit funds to the borrower. Instead, financing is conducted through the Russian Ministry of Finance, which directly pays Russian companies providing goods and services for the project. These payments, made in Russian rubles, are based on pre-approved documents from VEB.RF, a Russian state development corporation responsible for international agreements.

Rosatom reiterated that claims of embezzlement are baseless and appear to be a deliberate attempt to discredit the Rooppur NPP project and undermine the strong relationship between Russia and Bangladesh.

Rosatom stands by the integrity of the Rooppur NPP project, dismissing the false allegations and affirming the mutual benefits of continued cooperation between Moscow and Dhaka.