Misappropriation of 100,000 tons of petroleum products: organized group exposed (VIDEO)

NABU and SAPO have uncovered a large-scale scheme to misappropriate PJSC "Ukrnafta" petroleum products and launder the proceeds from their sale.

Regarding the first episode of criminal activity (2017-2020), four participants in the scheme were served notices of suspicion:

• higher-level organizer: one of the leaders of a prominent business group that effectively controlled Ukraine's oil sector;
• lower-level organizer: a shareholder in several companies controlled by the business group, responsible for coordinating the perpetrators and concealing the criminal activity;
• chairman of the Board and Deputy Chairman of the Board for Commercial Affairs of joint-stock companies controlled by the business group.

The suspects' actions fall under Part 5 of Article 191 and Part 3 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

A notice of suspicion was also drawn up in writing for another individual: a foreign national who previously served as vice-president of PJSC "Ukrnafta" (where the state holds a controlling stake). The documents were sent abroad to be served as part of international legal cooperation.

According to the investigation, the leaders of the business group devised and implemented a scheme to misappropriate 100,000 tons of petroleum products valued at over UAH 2.88 billion.

Initially, the petroleum products were transferred to a controlled company under commission agreements. Subsequently, a portion was funneled to other affiliated firms for retail and wholesale through a network of gas stations.

The funds generated from the sales were transferred to the benefit of controlled companies, including entities abroad.

To conceal the ultimate beneficial owners (members of the business group), the suspects used a complex network of offshore companies in Cyprus, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the British Virgin Islands.

The volume of petroleum products misappropriated by the scheme participants accounted for nearly 20% of all fuel sold at Ukrnafta gas stations during the scheme's execution.

Additionally, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the seizure of Ukrnafta property in subsequent periods, particularly following the imposition of martial law in Ukraine.

The pre-trial investigation into the criminal proceedings was conducted with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). However, at a certain stage, NABU detectives uncovered leaks of confidential pre-trial investigation data.

According to the investigation, a high-ranking SBU official—whose unit provided operational support for the criminal proceedings—may be involved in leaking this information. Specifically, details regarding planned investigative and procedural actions were funneled to a trusted associate of the crime's organizers.

The pre-trial investigation into these facts is ongoing.