(Newswire.net— July 6, 2020) — Moldovan police discovered an illegal factory of knock-off helicopters that were being produced in the area of the town of Criuleni. The illegal factory was producing copies of Kamov KA-26 Soviet-type helicopters, Balkan Insight reports.
“Over the past several months, the police documented the illegal activity of a well-organized group of people specializing in the production of helicopters,” the Interior Ministry said in a press release.
The aircraft, made in secret, were supposed to be exported to countries of the former Soviet Union.
The police found at least 10 aircraft units, in different stages of production. Most of those who were arrested are from Moldova. If convicted, they could face 3 to 10 years in prison.
Behind everything, by all accounts, stands a certain Yuri Cheban, who claims that these are only helicopter models and not fully functional aircrafts. He says that he owns several patents and that the helicopters had to be constructed in order to produce parts for aircraft, on the basis of which he created patents.
Mr. Cheban is convinced that he did not break any law. He denied that it was a serial production, but that he was testing his patents in that way.
“Let’s say I found a solution to a technical problem that occurred on the helicopter. Therefore, I have to test it in practice to see if I’m right,” he defended himself. If he determined that he had successfully solved the technical problem, he would patent it after testing, because, as he says, that is how he earns his living.
All of the helicopters were produced without the necessary permits and documents of origin for the parts and equipment used.
A criminal case for preparing to smuggle aircraft by two or more persons has been initiated by prosecutors. If found guilty, the suspects could face jail sentences ranging from three to ten years, according to Moldovan law, the Balkan Insight reports.