The State Bureau of Investigation detained the head of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” on suspicion of illegal enrichment of more than 7.9 million UAH

The State Bureau of Investigation has detained one of the highest-ranking officials in Ukraine's forestry sector — the head of the state-owned enterprise “Forests of Ukraine.” The Category A official has been detained on suspicion of illegal enrichment in the amount of over 7.9 million UAH.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was established that in just one year — 2021 — he became the owner of elite real estate in the center of Kyiv, eight land plots, and freight vehicles, and also significantly increased his cash assets in bank accounts.

In order to conceal the real source of the property, the official resorted to a complex legalization scheme involving his close associates. An elite apartment in Pechersk, Kyiv, worth over 9 million UAH, was registered to his close friend, who had no actual connection to the purchase. All negotiations with the seller, selection of the property, conclusion of contracts, and payments were carried out by the suspect's wife, acting on behalf of the “nominal” owner.

Similar actions were taken with regard to the registration of land and vehicles, using frontmen and fictitious contracts. Most payments were made in cash or from third-party accounts.

At the same time, the official's legal income could not cover even a third of the expenses, and the investigation estimated the confirmed difference between official income and real assets to be at least 7.925 million UAH.

The official was detained on suspicion of illegal enrichment (Article 368-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The sanction of the article provides for a sentence of up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The issue of choosing a preventive measure is currently being decided.

This detention is another confirmation that the State Bureau of Investigation exposes corruption even at the highest levels of government. Regardless of position, name, or connections, the law is one far all!

The procedural guidance is provided by the Office of the Prosecutor General.