Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) will officially inform that having no authorization to carry out ships’ surveys and to issue the RS documents, RS HELLAS LTD, the former RS agent in the Republic of Greece, has issued false classification certificates using forms of documents similar to the RS ones. RS has never provided RS HELLAS LTD with the RS forms of documents, stamps and protection marks used for drawing up ship’s documents. The fact of deceit was reported to RS by Greek law enforcement authorities.
RS has withdrawn the RS HELLAS LTD authority to assume any liabilities or to act as an agent and representative to the Maritime Administration of Greece and shipowners on behalf of RS.
Information agencies reported that documents on instituting criminal proceedings against Antonios Petridis, RS HELLAS LTD Director, were referred to the prosecution agency by the Coast Guard of the Republic of Greece. On 31 August 2011, RS notified RS HELLAS LTD of withdrawing the authorities to represent any RS interests and of avoiding all agreements concluded. The Maritime Administration of Greece was informed of these actions.
The issue of referring to the court of justice is under the RS consideration.
RS states its readiness to assist Greek authorities in investigating the illegal acts committed by RS HELLAS LTD and by A. Petridis personally.
RS is ready to promptly review class assignment requests of all the shipowners suffered from the above deceit, as well as to perform all the necessary actions and surveys for class assignment under the RS procedures.
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Source: RS, September 6, 2011.