The SSU and the ESBU continue to investigate corruption schemes of the sanctioned oligarch Dmytro Firtash and the top management of companies under his control.

This time, the agencies have documented the unlawful activities of the chairmen of Volyngaz, Kryvorizhgaz and Chernihivgaz, who are involved in the theft of natural gas from Ukraine’s gas transportation system.

These companies are de facto controlled by the management of the Regional Gas Company LLC (RGC, affiliated to Firtash), which manages 20 city and region gas companies - 70% of all gas distribution networks in Ukraine.

Based on the findings of the SSU’s investigation, the officials have been notified of suspicion under Articles 27.3, 191.5, 209.3 of the CCU (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office).

Overall, based on the evidence collected by the SSU, a total of 11 heads of regional gas companies and four officials of Firtash’s financial and industrial group have been served notices of suspicion.

Earlier, the SSU and the ESBU uncovered a large-scale criminal scheme: officials of Firtash’s regional gas companies embezzled over 70% of the funds intended for purchasing gas.

According to the forensic economic examination, in 2021 alone, the unlawful activities of the persons involved caused losses to the state of over UAH 4.2 bln (USD 112 mln). According to preliminary estimates, the total amount of damage over 2016-2022 may exceed UAH 18 bln.

The investigation is carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.