UAH 10,000 for a signature: ESBU uncovers conversion scheme via agribusiness in Odesa

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the ESBU in the Odesa region have completed an investigation into an Odesa resident who submitted documents for the state registration of a legal entity containing knowingly false information. The man registered a company in his name specializing in the wholesale of grain, seeds, and animal feed.

During the investigation, detectives established that the company's credentials were used to minimize tax liabilities. The agricultural company facilitated the conversion of non-cash funds into cash for enterprises in the real sector of the economy.

In turn, the suspect, after receiving a monetary reward of UAH 10,000, performed no functions at the enterprise. All documents were drafted and signed by other individuals, whose actions are being investigated in separate criminal proceedings.

The man was notified of suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 2 of Article 205-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (forgery of documents submitted for the state registration of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs). The indictment has been referred to the court.

The sanction of the article provides for a fine ranging from eight thousand to ten thousand tax-free minimum incomes of citizens or imprisonment for a term of three to five years, with or without the deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for a term of up to three years.

Procedural guidance was carried out by prosecutors of the Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Office.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court's verdict of guilty.