Ex-MP suspected of orchestrating corruption scheme at Odesa Port Plant

On Oct. 21, 2022, NABU and SAPO notified a former Ukrainian MP of suspicion of organizing a corruption scheme that caused UAH 93.3 million in damage to JSC "Odesa Port Plant" (99.57 percent owned by the state). His actions fall under Part 3 Article 27 Part 2 Article 28 Part 2 Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

As established, the ex-lawmaker organized a scheme under which Odesa Port Plant sold mineral fertilizers to a predetermined company at prices lower than the market average. The company then resold the products to foreign companies at competitive prices, while supplies were carried out by Odesa Port Plant.

The scheme was active during March-December 2015 and resulted in a loss of some UAH 93.3 million by the state company.

In March 2020, NABU served suspicion notices to four participants in the scheme:

• an ex-MP's trusted person;
• the deputy director of JSC "Odesa Port Plant";
• the head of a JSC "Odesa Port Plant" department;
• the owner of a non-resident company involved in the corruption scheme.

The confidant of the ex-MP and the owner of the company involved in the corruption scheme were declared wanted.

Since the whereabouts of the MP have not been established, he was notified of suspicion under Art. 278, Art. 135 of the CPC of Ukraine.

The investigation is taking all necessary measures to bring all participants of the corruption scheme to criminal responsibility.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered non-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.