Detectives of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine and the SSU are conducting a pre-trial investigation into a large-scale embezzlement of fuel from Ukraine's gas transportation system (GTS). The scheme involves the heads of certain regional gas companies of the Regional Gas Company (RGC) which are controlled by sanctioned oligarch Dmytro Firtash.

Law enforcement officers obtained evidence of criminal activity - theft of gas from the GTS, two more officials - chairmen of the boards of “Ivano-Frankivskgaz” and “Sumygaz”.

Detectives of the ESBU served them with a notice of suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 27, Part 5 of Art. 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (misappropriation, embezzlement or seizure of property through abuse of office).

Currently five heads of certain regional gas companies have already been imposed a measure of restraint in the form of detention or bail, including “Zakarpatgaz” - UAH 169 million, “Lvivgaz” - UAH 155 million, “Vinnytsiagaz” - UAH 186 million, “Dnipropetrovskgaz” - UAH 160 million and “Khmelnytskgaz” - UAH 228 million.

As a reminder the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine under the procedural guidance of prosecutors from the Prosecutor General's office exposed a large-scale scheme of misappropriation of state gas. According to preliminary estimates the total amount of damage for 2016-2022 may exceed UAH 18 billion.

As previously reported law enforcement officers obtained evidence of Firtash's instructions to company executives, communication between them mechanisms for withdrawing funds and attempts to conceal traces of illegal activity. According to the investigation, officials of Firtash's regional gas companies embezzled funds that were supposed to be used to purchase fuel for the needs of Ukrainian citizens.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing and the full range of persons involved in the crime is being identified. The issue of putting five people on the international wanted list is being decided. The defendants face up to 12 years in prison.

Note: Pursuant 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 by law and established by a court verdict of guilty.