Sanctioned businessman withdrew UAH 68 million from energy company: what is known
2 March 12:13
The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, has uncovered a large-scale embezzlement scheme at an energy company partly owned by the state. According to the investigation, the suspects illegally withdrew almost 68 million hryvnia. This was reported by the SBU press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What is known about the scheme
According to law enforcement, the scheme was organized by a businessman who is under sanctions and currently abroad. He has been notified of the charges in absentia.
According to media reports, the person in question is Konstantin Grigorishin, but the SBU has not officially named him.
“This involves the embezzlement of almost 68 million hryvnia from the accounts of an energy company that is partly state-owned (25% of the company’s shares are owned by the state, represented by the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine),” the Ukrainian special service reports.
How the scheme worked
According to the agency, in order to get his hands on this money, the suspect, while abroad, set up a criminal scheme involving the top management of companies he controlled.
The investigation established that in order to circumvent sanctions and illegally withdraw funds, the businessman involved the top management of controlled enterprises.
The mechanism worked as follows:
- a fictitious position of advisor to the chairman of the board was created for the suspect;
- the company is engaged in the supply of electricity from trunk networks to end consumers;
- the “advisor” was given a monthly salary of UAH 1.5 million;
- this amount exceeded the limits set by the National Commission for State Regulation in Energy and Utilities by six times.
Thus, almost UAH 68 million was withdrawn from the company through the payment of excessive salaries.
Who came under suspicion
In addition to the businessman, three of his accomplices, the heads of energy companies, were also suspected.
They are accused of participating in a scheme to embezzle company funds.
What punishment awaits
According to the SBU, the defendants face:
- up to 12 years in prison;
- confiscation of property;
- a ban on holding certain positions.
The investigation is ongoing.
