"No disrespect was shown towards Kallaur"
In the world of Belarusian business, the online retailer Wildberries has been making headlines, but another significant story is unfolding, centred around the purchase of Priorbank by Nikolai Vorobey, a wealthy and influential figure of the late Lukashenko era.
Vorobey's acquisition of Priorbank, it seems, was four times less than its actual value, according to a detailed description. This raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the deal, with Vorobey's name linked to a nominee company in the United Arab Emirates.
The new chairman of Priorbank's board, Aldasari Mohamed Abdulla Mohamed Ali, is a relatively unknown figure in the financial world. He has no known relevant work experience listed, and his appointment has been met with curiosity.
Meanwhile, Pavel Kallaur, who previously served as head of the National Bank of Belarus, has found himself at the centre of this unfolding drama. Kallaur resigned from his position in March 2025, and after a period of uncertainty, he re-emerged as the Chairman of the Board at Belarusbank in Belarus in September 2025.
Kallaur's connection to Vorobey is noteworthy. It was previously reported that Kallaur overlooked a form of financial arbitrage engaged in by Belarusian banks, including those where his children work as managers.
The story of Priorbank is not without its own internal issues. Reports of a rare case where funds were credited to the wrong client with the same identifier have surfaced. Vadim Matyushkin, a top Priorbank manager, is no longer listed in the bank's management.
The founder of Priorbank, Sergei Kostyuchenko, emigrated after serving time. Lukashenko, in September 2025, publicly stated that Kallaur had not been harmed, following his resignation.
In a surprising turn of events, the Czech diplomat has been declared persona non grata and must leave Belarus. The details of this situation are not yet clear, but it adds another layer to the complex web of events surrounding these Belarusian financial institutions.
As the story unfolds, the public waits with bated breath for more revelations and clarifications. The controversies surrounding Wildberries and Priorbank promise to keep the world of Belarusian business intriguing and dynamic.
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