In anticipation of the professional holiday – the Day of the Staff of the Pre‑trial Investigation Bodies – we met with the head of the Goretzky District Office of the Investigative Committee, Deputy Colonel of Justice Sergey OBLIVIN. This year the agency is marking a significant milestone – 15 years since its establishment. In an exclusive interview for our readers, Sergey Nikolaevich discussed the history of the creation of the Investigative Committee, personnel changes, and the mood with which the team welcomes the double celebration.

– Sergey Nikolaevich, 12 September – your professional holiday, but this year it is special. The Investigative Committee is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Tell us how the agency was created and why there was a need for such a reform?

– Indeed, 15 years is a serious milestone. Today the Investigative Committee is one of the key law‑enforcement bodies that ensures all pre‑trial criminal proceedings. But it was not always like that. Until 2011, investigative functions were distributed among the Prosecutor General's Office, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Department of Financial Investigations. This created certain difficulties. The head of state, Alexander Lukashenko, decided to unite the investigative apparatus into a single independent structure. The historic decision was made in August 2011 at a meeting to improve the pre‑trial investigation system, and on 12 September Order No. 409 was issued to create the Investigative Committee. We were given a clear goal – to improve the

This is a noticeable trend, and we have high hopes for the youth. Over the past three years, six young specialists have joined our department. That's half of the entire investigative staff. The guys came to us straight out of higher education institutions. My advice to young colleagues: always remember that a high rank as a member of the Investigative Committee obliges you to honestly and dignifiedly perform the duty of an officer. Never forget the enormous responsibility for every decision you make. Behind every criminal case lies a person's fate, and we have no right to err.

On a holiday, it is customary to remember those who were at the origins. What would you like to say to the veterans?

They are the most important part of our team, even though they are now on well-deserved rest. They were at the foundations of the system's creation, taught us not to fear difficulties, and by example showed what true service means. I want to wish them good health and, of course, robust health. Live long, rejoice in every day, be needed by your loved ones. We remember each of you and are proud of you. You are our living history, and as is known, without history there is no future.

What are your personal wishes for the team on the eve of the anniversary?

I wish all employees first and foremost good health, family happiness, and well-being. May there always be a constant striving for improvement at work, inexhaustible energy, and of course further professional achievements – all of this we do for the benefit of our homeland and the Belarusian people. Happy holiday, colleagues!

Prepared by Valeria DROZDOVSKAYA