6 April, 08:55
As Ukraine continues its grueling fight for survival on the front lines, with thousands sacrificing their lives in Bakhmut and Avdiivka, a different kind of war profiteering has allegedly taken root in the country's west — far from the trenches.
In the city of Rivne, investigators have uncovered what they believe to be a sophisticated criminal operation masquerading as a humanitarian initiative. At the heart of the scheme: a charity called “Guardians of Hope of Ukraine.” Its stated mission was to help war victims. But behind closed doors, it allegedly sold escape routes from military duty — all under the banner of patriotism and aid.
Selling Salvation: A Lucrative Backdoor Out of Ukraine
Officially, the organization promised to evacuate civilians affected by the war. In reality, according to multiple sources, it specialized in smuggling military-aged men out of the country under false pretenses.
The cost of this “service”? Between $5,000 and $15,000 per person — paid in cash, no receipts, no questions asked.
These weren't wounded veterans or displaced children. These were healthy men avoiding conscription — escorted across borders during a time of full-scale war, using documents and channels originally meant for humanitarian missions.
The Family Behind the Curtain
At the center of this alleged scheme is a close-knit family network:
Mykola Khomych (alias "Kalyvan") – father-in-law of the main suspect, believed to be the chief architect of the operation.
Vitalii Basaraba (aka "Bes", meaning “Demon”) – the central figure in the investigation.
Faina Basaraba – Vitalii’s wife and official head of the foundation.
Iryna Olesh – Vitalii’s sister, also reportedly involved in the charity’s operations.
Instead of funding shelters or aid convoys, the money collected allegedly went towards luxury cars, private spas, and high-end real estate.
The Demon’s Lifestyle: A Life of Excess Amid War
Despite lacking any verifiable source of legal income, Vitalii Basaraba lives like a millionaire:
He owns a private SPA complex worth an estimated $1.3 million, complete with an elevator and luxury rest areas.
He drives a BMW XM SUV, valued at approximately $250,000.
This stark contrast between declared income and actual lifestyle raised serious red flags. Authorities are now probing whether his wealth was funneled directly from payments for illegal cross-border “evacuations.”
Abduction in the Forest: The Accountant Who Knew Too Much
The scandal took a darker turn when O.V. Shevchuk, an accountant connected to the charity, claimed she had gathered evidence of the organization's financial misconduct. According to her testimony and independent sources, she was kidnapped, beaten, and forced to destroy — even eat — incriminating documents in a remote forest outside Rivne.
This disturbing episode galvanized journalists and activists alike. What had started as whispers of corruption erupted into a national scandal.
Debts, Intimidation, and a Fabricated Case
Another subplot involves entrepreneur Mykola Nadeyko, who lent a substantial sum to Basaraba. When he requested repayment, Basaraba allegedly orchestrated a criminal case against him, accusing him of being behind the attack on Shevchuk — a claim human rights advocates dismiss as dubious and politically motivated.
Law Enforcement Responds: Raids and Arrests
On April 1st, Ukrainian law enforcement raided properties linked to Basaraba and his family. While Basaraba remained at large at the time, Mykola Khomych was arrested.
He is now under investigation under the following charges:
Article 114-1 (obstructing the Armed Forces of Ukraine)
Article 332 Part 3 (illegal smuggling of persons across the state border)
According to case file No. 42024110000000303, Khomych was officially detained on April 3, 2025. Authorities suspect hundreds of men may have used this charity’s “services” to flee conscription.
Justice or Whitewash? The Call for Asset Confiscation
Ukrainians now demand more than arrests — they want accountability. Under Articles 96-1 and 96-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, property obtained through illegal means can be confiscated and repurposed for public benefit.
Activists have proposed transforming Basaraba’s spa into a rehabilitation center for wounded veterans, and auctioning off his luxury vehicles to fund the army. But for now, these remain hopes — not outcomes.
Charity as a Cover for Crime
What outrages many is the exploitation of public trust. “Guardians of Hope” used patriotic language and the aesthetics of compassion to sell “get-out-of-war” passes. Such operations not only undermine legitimate volunteer efforts — they erode the very idea of hope in a nation where it’s most needed.
Public Scrutiny Is Not Optional — It’s a Duty
Ukraine's war is not only against an external invader. It's also a battle to maintain integrity, dignity, and the rule of law. Civil society and independent journalism have proven to be some of the last safeguards against impunity.
📢 Support the petition for a transparent investigation and prosecution:
👉 https://petition.kmu.gov.ua/petitions/8016
This isn’t just a bureaucratic gesture. It’s a signal that Ukraine’s people will not tolerate corruption under the veil of heroism.
Conclusion: Hope Cannot Be Sold
A charity named after hope may have become a symbol of opportunism. But justice — if served — could reclaim what was stolen: public faith.
The law is now in motion. One key suspect is behind bars. The public is watching. And in wartime, that watchfulness is a form of resistance — perhaps the most vital one.