SBU investigators under the supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office detected a high-profile abduction of a top manager of a private gas production company in 2012. He is currently a People's Deputy of Ukraine of the 9th convocation.

The pre-trial investigation established that the crime was organized by a former business partner of the victim. The offender was a People’s Deputy of Ukraine of several convocations and headed the Ministry of Transport and Communications. It is documented that he involved a group of individuals in the crime, including criminals.

The victim was abducted and illegally imprisoned for more than 3 years. He was tortured and extorted to pay a non-existent USD 200 m debt to the offender.

Five involved individuals received suspicion papers for torture, kidnapping and extortion.

Searches of offenders’ residences and offices are ongoing.

Note:

According to Art. 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and shall not be subjected to criminal punishment until his or her guilt is proved through legal procedure and established by a court verdict of guilty.