The Ministry of Justice wants to take away Oksana Marchenko’s shares in Group 1 TV channels
22 November 2024 05:41
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine wants to confiscate the shares of Oksana Marchenko, the wife of former MP Viktor Medvedchuk, in legal entities of the 1 1 Group channels. This is stated in a response to a request from Detector Media signed by Deputy Minister Inna Bohatykh, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding to confiscate Marchenko’s shares in a number of companies related to media assets, including the channels of the 1 1 Group. The lawsuit involves stakes in such legal entities as Studio 1 1 TV and Radio Company LLC, Gravis-Kino LLC, TET TV Company, Real Estate TV LLC, and Omega TV private enterprise. These stakes range from 8.16% to 100% depending on the company.
The next court hearing is scheduled for November 27, 2024. The lawsuit states that Marchenko owns less than a 10% stake in these entities, which does not allow her to be considered a significant management participant. At the same time, the list does not include 112, Zik, and NewsOne channels, which were previously associated with Medvedchuk and Marchenko.
Over the past two years, companies associated with 1 1 have made changes, including changing logos and reorganizing brands.
For example, 1 1 Ukraine became 1 1 Marathon, and Bigudi was renamed 2 2 Marathon. These changes are likely related to an attempt to minimize the risks associated with sanctions and legal proceedings.
The Ministry of Justice’s lawsuit was filed as part of an overall strategy to seize assets of persons suspected of undermining national security and supporting the Russian Federation. Sanctions and asset confiscation are supposed to reduce the influence of such persons on the public and political life of Ukraine.
The deputy minister also called for sending such documents to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine if there is documentary evidence of Medvedchuk’s and/or Marchenko’s connection to TV Vybir, TRK112-TV, Leader TV, Novyny 24hody, TRK Novyie Komunikatsii, Media Holding Novyny, Time Media, and Telesprosir.
