Ex-Lukashenko security officer appointed executive director at Belgazprombank

Buro has learned that in August 2024, Siarhei Chepikau, a former officer of Lukashenko's Security Service, assumed the role of Executive Director at Belgazprombank. This appointment was not publicly announced and is not mentioned on Belgazprombank's website.

According to information obtained from the CyberPartisans, Chepikau served in Lukashenko's Security Service from at least 2005 to 2021. In February 2020, he was awarded the "For Will to Victory" medal during an interdepartmental billiards tournament, representing the Security Service team. By 2024, he had moved into his new role at Belgazprombank.

When contacted, Chepikau confirmed his appointment. When asked why he was chosen for the executive position at Belgazprombank, he replied:

Chepikau clarified that he did not serve as Lukashenko's “personal bodyguard” during his time in the Security Service. However, he declined to elaborate on his exact responsibilities within the service. Chepikau joined the Security Service from the Belarusian army, where he served in the Cynology Centre, tasked with training personnel to protect various high-security facilities.

This is not the first instance of former officers from Lukashenko's Security Service securing top positions in banks. Previously, journalists from the publication Zerkalo reported on the "meteoric career" of Aliaksei Liashkevich, Lukashenko's chief bodyguard. Liashkevich was frequently seen alongside Lukashenko, including during international trips.

In February 2024, Liashkevich became Executive Director at Belarusbank. According to a Zerkalo source in the bank, this position was introduced specifically for Liashkevich. Previously, there had been no Executive Director overseeing security matters within the bank's management structure.