"Ukrtelefilm" case: new suspects

On Dec. 8-9, 2021, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) notified four persons of suspicion of causing over UAH 67.73 million in damages to the state enterprise "Ukrtelefilm" (the Ukrainian Television Film Studio). The suspects are*:

•  the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting of Ukraine (Derzhkomteleradio) (2016-2020);
•  the former General Director of Ukrtelefilm (2016-2017);
•  the deputy head of a private company;
•  the former head of the legal department of Ukrtelefilm (2015-2016).

The number of persons allegedly involved in the offense has risen to eight. Three of them are already under trial by the High Anti-Corruption Court. One suspect is on the international wanted list, with an extradition procedure being underway.

As established, in 2017-2018, Ukrtelefilm executives in collusion with the former head of the SE's legal department, other inpiduals, and the Deputy Chairman of Derzhkomteleradio ensured the alienation of property rights to over 60 real estate facilities in Kyiv in favor of a private company (Lodoks LLC). The sale of the assets was carried out with numerous violations of the alienation procedure, in particular, without the consent of the governing body represented by Derzhkomteleradio. As a result, the State suffered considerable damage. The offense was solved at the stage of real estate legalization.

In February-March 2019, NABU and SAPO identified four possible participants in the offense and notified them of suspicion. Six months later, the investigation into three of them was completed.

The evidence collected by NABU enabled the invalidation by the Commercial Court of Kyiv of the asset purchase agreement concluded between Ukrtelefilm and Lodoks LLC. The relevant decision has taken effect. Measures to compensate for the damage caused to the SE are being taken, the real estate registration in favor of the enterprise is underway.

* positions at the time of committing the offense

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.