Russian troops in Melitopol plunder $5M farm automobiles from Ukraine — to search out they’ve been remotely disabled
Warning: Undefined variable $post_id in /home/webpages/lima-city/booktips/wordpress_de-2022-03-17-33f52d/wp-content/themes/fast-press/single.php on line 26
But after a journey of more than 700 miles, the thieves were unable to make use of any of the gear -- because it had been locked remotely.
Over the previous few weeks there's been a growing variety of stories of Russian troops stealing farm tools, grain and even constructing supplies - past widespread looting of residences. But the removal of worthwhile agricultural tools from a John Deere dealership in Melitopol speaks to an more and more organized operation, one which even makes use of Russian navy transport as a part of the heist.CNN has learned that the equipment was removed from an Agrotek dealership in Melitopol, which has been occupied by Russian forces since early March. Altogether it is valued at nearly $5 million. The mix harvesters alone are value $300,000 every.
CNN is not naming a contact in Melitopol accustomed to the main points of the case for their very own safety.
The contact stated the method started with the seizure of two mix harvesters, a tractor and a seeder. Over the subsequent few weeks, the whole lot else was eliminated: in all 27 pieces of farm equipment. One of many flat-bed vehicles used, and caught on camera, had a white "Z" painted on it and gave the impression to be a navy truck.
The contact said there were rival teams of Russian troops: some would come within the morning and a few within the evening.
Among the equipment was taken to a close-by village, but some of it embarked on a protracted overland journey to Chechnya greater than 700 miles away. The sophistication of the equipment, which are equipped with GPS, meant that its travel could possibly be tracked. It was final tracked to the village of Zakhan Yurt in Chechnya.
The equipment ferried to Chechnya, which included combine harvesters -- may also be controlled remotely. "When the invaders drove the stolen harvesters to Chechnya, they realized that they might not even turn them on, as a result of the harvesters had been locked remotely," the contact mentioned.
The tools now seems to be languishing at a farm near Grozny. However the contact stated that "evidently the hijackers have discovered consultants in Russia who are making an attempt to bypass the protection."
"Even if they promote harvesters for spare components, they'll earn some money," the contact said.
Other sources within the Melitopol area say theft by Russian army items has extended to grain held in silos, in a area that produces tons of of 1000's of tonnes of crops a 12 months.
One source instructed CNN that "the occupiers are offering local farmers to share their income 50% to 50%." However the farmers attempting to work in areas occupied by Russian troops are unable to move their produce.
"Not a single elevator works. None of the ports are working. You'll not take this grain from the occupied territory anywhere. "
So Russian forces are simply taking the grain, the supply stated. "They steal it, take it to Crimea and that is it."
Last week the mayor of Melitopol posted a video exhibiting a convoy of vehicles leaving Melitopol allegedly loaded with grain.
"We've clear proof that they unloaded grain from the Melitopol metropolis elevator. They robbed the elevator along with private farms," the mayor advised CNN.