Ukrainian weapons- dealers smuggled 18 nuclear- capable cruise missiles to Iran and China four years ago, prosecutors said, revealing new details of an investigation that will test the Government's commitment to cleaning up corruption that critics say flourished under Leonid Kuchma, the former President.
An investigation into illicit weapons sales by officials loyal to Mr Kuchma has led to secret charges or arrests of at least six arms-dealers accused of selling missiles to Iran and China. Twelve of the missiles went to Iran and six to China, the prosecutor-general's office said.
The Kh55 cruise missiles, which have a range of 2,975km (1,860 miles), were smuggled out of Ukraine four years ago, the prosecutors said. "The proceedings against persons implicated have been forwarded to the Kiev Court of Appeals and are being heard behind closed doors," a statement said.
A spokesman named one of the accused as Volodymyr Yevdokimov, whom he said was the director of Ukraviazakaz, a cargo company.
Iran does not operate long-range bombers, but it is believed that Tehran could adapt its Soviet-built Su24 strike aircraft to launch the missile, which it received without nuclear warheads. The weapon's range would put Israel and a number of other American allies within reach. |