"Tax minimization practices that have been formed over decades must remain in the past" — Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi

 The Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi, stated this during the XXIV Forum of Financial Directors of Ukraine "Brave CFO Gathering 2026." The Deputy Director of the ESBU, Pavlo Buzdyhan, also took part in the discussion. Together with representatives of business, the banking sector, international financial institutions, and the investment community, they discussed the shadow economy, tax risks for business, and new approaches to interaction between the state and entrepreneurs.

During their speeches, the ESBU representatives focused on one of the most common tax minimization schemes—the artificial splitting of large businesses through networks of individual entrepreneurs. The Bureau emphasized that this practice not only leads to budget losses but also creates unfair competition for honest taxpayers.

"We are focusing on bringing the economy out of the shadows so that honest businesses can operate in a competitive environment. For those who respect the law, we are ready to be partners. We are ready to listen, understand, and help restore justice where it has been violated," noted Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi.

According to Pavlo Buzdyhan, the problem arose because certain large companies use the simplified tax system for the wrong reasons. Instead of its intended purpose, they use it as a tool to minimize tax liabilities.

"The industry does not matter to us. Our job is to overcome the very phenomenon of business splitting. First, we protect honest entrepreneurs, for whom the simplified tax system was created. When large networks use it to minimize taxes, it creates unfair competition and harms honest businesses," emphasized Pavlo Buzdyhan.

Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi emphasized that the ESBU primarily focuses on communication and voluntary correction of violations. As a result of this work, certain companies are already switching to the general tax system, abandoning tax minimization schemes, and compensating for the damages caused to the state.

In addition, the ESBU representatives reminded that the law allows for exemption from criminal liability if unpaid taxes are fully paid and damages to the state are compensated. At the same time, in cases where business entities are not ready to give up illegal practices, the Bureau will use all tools provided by law.