Estonian defence minister resigns after €70m Ukraine munitions scam by Indian company: report
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned following a scandal in which he authorised the payment of €70 million to an Indian company for artillery shells, only to receive ammunition of defective quality, it emerged on Thursday. Britain’s The Telegraph reported on Monday that Datasel SRL was contracted to produce the shells for use by the Ukrainian military against Russia, and that…
Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned over a €70 million Ukrainian artillery shell scandal, according to The Telegraph. The controversy arose after Pevkur authorized the payment to an Indian company, Datasel SRL, which had not previously produced or sold any shells. The Indian-run, Italy-based company repeatedly delayed deliveries, leading to the inspection of a shipment that revealed faulty rounds.
Pevkur defended his decision, stating that as defence minister, he is responsible for the entire area under his ministry, even if the fault is not his. He emphasized that a leader must have the stature and courage to take responsibility. Pevkur informed the public broadcaster ERR that he would resign, stating that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, not him, is responsible for contract negotiations.
Datasel SRL, the Indian company, is now suing Estonia for €59 million in losses, alleging it delivered the majority of the munitions, which would have been sent to Ukraine had the contract not been terminated.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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