The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) have uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme involving nearly 60 million UAH embezzled from “Ukrenergo.”
The main orchestrator of the scheme is identified as Volodymyr Skorobagach, a former deputy head of the Kharkiv Regional Council. Skorobagach now resides on the French Riviera, living extravagantly on state-stolen funds, flying private jets, and maintaining a lavish lifestyle.
🔍 Co-Conspirators
- Denys Khokhlochov, director of LLC “Paverstok,” has been detained in Kyiv.
- Iryna Khasianova, founder of “Paverstok,” is currently evading justice abroad.
⚡️ How the Scheme Operated
- The group created three shell companies to receive electricity from “Ukrenergo” without making payments.
- They sold the electricity to end consumers and funneled nearly 60 million UAH of proceeds into the accounts of a company registered in the Balkans.
🔒 Charges and Arrests
Authorities have issued charges against Skorobagach and Khasianova in absentia. Denys Khokhlochov has been taken into custody in Kyiv. The charges include:
- Part 3, 5 of Article 27; Part 5 of Article 191 (organization and facilitation of embezzlement or misappropriation of property through abuse of office by an organized group, causing particularly large damages).
- Part 3 of Article 27; Part 3 of Article 209 (money laundering of illegally obtained property).
📊 Implications
This case underscores systemic corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector and highlights the need for accountability and transparency. Investigators are working to ensure all responsible parties face justice, including those hiding abroad. Further revelations may expose additional misconduct tied to this scheme.