Former official suspected of money laundering through France
NABU and SAPO have exposed large-scale money laundering by a former executive of a state-owned special exporter.
During the investigation into the embezzlement of funds from Ukroboronprom defense concern, it was discovered that the suspect, in collusion with other persons, illegally transferred the funds of state-owned enterprises to foreign company accounts under the guise of "agent services" for selling Ukrainian military equipment. The total amount of these transfers exceeds USD 46 million.
At least EUR 13 million of these funds were funneled through multiple intermediary companies and ultimately ended up in the suspect's accounts. He then used the money to purchase luxury real estate in France, including:
- a villa worth UAH 86 million;
- a winery, corporate rights, and 105 land plots worth UAH 229 million;
- an additional 27 vineyard plots worth UAH 37 million.
Currently, a French court has seized the mentioned assets. NABU is seeking the suspect’s extradition to Ukraine.
Multiple bank accounts across different countries were used to conceal the origin of the funds, requiring extensive international cooperation during the investigation.
On February 20, 2025, the former official was charged with involvement in misappropriating over UAH 387 million. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.