“Corruption in state -owned enterprises remains one of the most devastating factors for Ukraine, its economy and defense. The case of multimillion -dollar theft in Ukrzaliznytsia has shown how deeply corruption schemes have penetrated into strategically important state structures and as a SBU, a body that should protect national security was used for personal enrichment and equipment. National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and specialized”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
Corruption in state -owned enterprises remains one of the most devastating factors for Ukraine, its economy and defense. The case of multimillion -dollar theft in Ukrzaliznytsia has shown how deeply corruption schemes have penetrated into strategically important state structures and as a SBU, a body that should protect national security was used for personal enrichment and equipment.
The National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti -Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have completed a pre -trial investigation into Ukrzaliznytsia, opening shocking details: organized criminal groups under the leadership of the SBU Colonel Artem Shila and People’s Deputy Viktor Bondar could have enriched the state tender for years. Because of these actions, Ukrzaliznytsia has lost at least UAH 240 million.
Exagular prices on tenders, artificial elimination of competitors, links with aggressor countries, laundering millions through fictitious companies-all this was made possible by the splicing of business, policies and law enforcement agencies. In our material, we understand how to work the schemes of Sila and Bondar on Ukrzaliznytsia, as well as who else from high -ranking officials and ministers appears in fraud.
Key involved in the case: who stood for the storage of hundreds of millions?
Organizers
The architects of the schemes at Ukrzaliznytsia are at least two persons: ex-official of the Security Service of Ukraine and former adviser to the deputy head of the Presidential Office Artem Shilo, former Minister of Transport and Communications of Ukraine and People’s Deputy Viktor Bondar. The third organizer is businessman Vladimir Kotlyar. We tell more about the fraud and the role of each person involved.
Artem Shilo – employee of the Security Service of Ukraine and former adviser to the Presidential Office. He played the role of “Gray Cardinal” and one of the organizers in the corruption scheme. Using ties in Ukrzaliznytsia and his powers in the SBU and the President’s office, Silo actually created a “back office” of the state-owned company that controlled tenders. His team could artificially ensure that the purchases of the required companies in exchange for the percentage of the contract value (the so -called rollback). According to the investigation, the Beck Office of Ukrzaliznytsia under the direction of Shilo has agreed on criminal cooperation with the already current criminal group of People’s Deputy Viktor Bondar.
Photo: Artem Shilo
Victor Bondar – People’s Deputy (self -nominated, but had ties with the Renaissance Party). One of the organizers of the schemes in Ukrzaliznytsia is supposedly since 2019, which allegedly coordinated the activities of controlled companies and used ties in government circles to cover crimes. Interestingly, Bondar is also suspected of raiding the Ukrkabel plant. According to investigators, Bondar acquired a share in LLC “Trade House of Ukrkabel” (then renamed to LLC “VP Ukrkabel”) in 2017. And the ex-owner of the plant Oleksandr Tkachenko stated that in 2017 Bondar illegally received his share in the plant in size of UAH 13.5 million. At the same time, the Bondar allegedly threatened the ex-owner of the plant with a mural, “if it is concerned again.”
Photo: Victor Bondar
Vladimir Kotlyar – Businessman, member of the People’s Deputy Bondar, a mediator who provided the technical part of the schemes. His task was to register fictitious firms, prepare documents for tenders and control financial flows.
Photo: Vladimir Kotlyar
According to judicial materials, the profit from schemes was distributed in a ratio of 2/3 of Kotlar companies and 1/3 of Bondar.
Performers
The accomplices of the organizers and executors of the schemes were ex-employee of the Department of Protection of National Statehood of the SBU Alexander Kovaluk and former deputy director of the branch of the branch of the production center of production of production.
Alexander Kovalyuk – a member of the group, a former subordinate of the SBU official who managed directly the processes in Ukrzaliznytsia. He passed the “necessary signals” to the tender committees and thus organized the blocking of competitors.
Igor Butanov – Sila group member, Ukrainian entrepreneur. In the scheme could be engaged in the transfer of undue benefit to the Ukrzaliznytsia official. It is known that in 2023 Butanova was accused of providing an undue benefit of the former deputy director of the branch “Center for Production of Production” of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” Alexei Onisimyuk. In particular, he was charged with the transfer of the Toyota Camry car as a bribe to facilitate contracts with controlled companies
Alexei Onisimyuk – a member of the Shila group, former deputy director of the branch of the Center for Production of Production of Production JSC “Ukrzaliznytsya”. The ex-official of Ukrzaliznytsia was officially responsible for the purchase. Role in the scheme: he agreed in predetermined suppliers and signed the necessary documents. He received a bribe from Butanov in the form of Toyota Camry.
In total, at least 16 people could have been involved in the Sila-Bondar schemes-Ukrzaliznytsia officials, lawyers, accountants and fallopian persons where companies and property were issued.
The Bondar group also includes entrepreneurs Vladimir Dovbenko and Oleg Melnik. In the schemes, the mother of the People’s Deputy Viktor Bondar was involved – Galina Bondar. It was designed as the owner of LLC “VP Ukrkabel” and LLC “Trade House of Ukrkabel – Kiev” and other companies. Another participants – Vladimir Dovbenko and Oleg Melnykwhich were numbered by these firms and other enterprises that were featured in schemes.
It should be noted that today Galina Bondar is called the beneficiary or shareholder of the following companies: LLC “TD” Ukrkabel-Kiev “, LLC” VP “Ukrkabel”, LLC “TD” Ukrkabel-Mykolaiv “, LLC” Ukrkabel Electrical “, LLC” Cable News “, LLC” Specialtechservice-TD “, LLC” NPP “Ukrcolormet”, LLC “Ukrkabel Avt”, LLC “Trading House” Ukrkabel-Dnipro “.
Earlier, she was a manager, signatory or beneficiary of the following companies: Limited Liability Company “Ukrainian Telecommunication Networks” “, Telesvit LLC, TD “Ukrkabel-east”, CJSC “Adrem”, LLC “KF” Ukrfinko “, LLC” Calpleplus “, LLC” Miskvitlobud “and Limited Liability Company” Svitolbud-Invest “.
Our media will check companies designed for Galina Bondar, as well as Vladimir Dovbenko and Oleg Melnikfor participation in other public procurement.
Another involved schemes: Lviv deputies Ostap and Yuri Dokchichi. Yuriy Dovkich is a deputy of the Lviv Regional Council from “Servant of the People”, and Ostap – a deputy of the Lviv City Council from ” European solidarity. ” It is believed that the brothers could be one of the key performers in the scheme – because of their companies, they allegedly helped to withdraw funds from Ukrzaliznytsia. Ostap allegedly coordinated the procurement processes, and Yuri Buzimto was engaged in international payments and transferring money to offshore accounts.
Deputies were related to fictitious firms that received contracts at inflated prices. According to YouControl, Ostap Zakchich appears as a beneficiary and shareholder of companies lit up in scheme LLC “Ukrkabel Electrical”, LLC “Cable News”, LLC “Ukrkabel Auto” and other enterprises. His brother Yuriy Dokich It has to do with companies such as “Trade House” Ukrkabel-east “,” Ukrkabel Auto “,” Production Enterprise “Ukrkabel”, “Cable News”, “Design and Institute and Rostechnoplast.
According to the case file, the organizer of the diagram of the People’s Deputy Bondar told Ostap about the contracts for 5 years and that the plant works at the expense of the contracts of the People’s Deputy. AND Ostap Dokich And his brother Yuriy Dokich Allegedly, they were “eaten”, which the people’s deputy brought.
High -ranking officials
According to judicial materials, the names of the highest echelons of the Ukrainian authorities also sound in the case. Namely the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and his deputy Oleg Tatarov. During the election of a preventive measure Artem Shila, the prosecutor said that the organizers of the scheme in conversations mentioned the names of the top officials of the OP: “Schilo – flint, walks to Tatarov with Yermak”, writes Corruption Center. The President’s office also appeared in the conversations of the People’s Deputy Bondar. The deputy allegedly asked the office to work directly: “I tried directly. I come to the office, let’s give it directly. Want and so? No, all through the sewing”. These materials may indicate that the presidential office could have information about the schemes in Ukrzaliznytsia and even gain some benefit from the SBU employee and ex-adviser to the Presidential Office Artem Shila.
Photo: Oleg Tatrov and Andriy Yermak
In addition, other high -ranking officials, including infrastructure Minister may be included in the case Vladislav Krykliy (was Minister from August 2019 to May 2021), as well as Minister for Strategic Industry of Ukraine (2023 – 2024), former Chairman of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia (2022 – 2023) Alexander Kamyshinwhich since 2023 is also a member of the Supreme Commander.
Photo: Vladislav Krykliy
According to the materials of the court sessions, it is known that in November 2019, the People’s Deputy Bondar appealed to the then head of the Ministry of Infrastructure Vladislav Krykliy to cancel public procurement of cables in Ukrzaliznytsia – this was done to prevent competitors’ tenders. The court also said that the People’s Deputy Victor Bondar had a link with the management of Ukrzaliznytsia, in this context, the chairman of the board of the enterprise (and then the Minister of Strategic Industry) Alexander Kamyshin was mentioned.
Photo: Alexander Kamyshin
Schemes of theft and money laundering for nearly 400 million
As a result of the theft of funds, Ukrzaliznytsia has lost at least UAH 240 million. It is known that more than 155 million hryvnias have been legalized by buying real estate and services of beauty salons. In total, 19 people are suspected of participating in the schemes.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the People’s Deputy Bondar and businessman Kotlyar allegedly organized a criminal group in 2019-2021. They allegedly committed criminal offenses aimed at seizing Ukrzaliznytsia funds through the sale of a state -owned company of high cost through affiliated firms.
Investigators believe that in the fall of 2021, the SBU employee Artem Shiloh was allegedly created a separate organized group for theft of funds on the railway – its anti -corruption bodies were called “Beck Office”. Businessman Oleg Melnyk, entrepreneur Igor Butanov and Ukrzaliznytsia official Alexei Onisimyuk was involved in this group.
In October-November 2021, the sewing group and a group of Bondar-Cotlar seemed to agree on a joint commission of crimes. Silo should have assisted in supplying products to Ukrzaliznytsia at inflated prices. In addition, the People’s Deputy Bondar and his accomplice Kotlyar had to transfer the rollback from the appropriated funds in the amount of 5-7%.
After the companies of the People’s Deputy Bondar were seized by the UZ, part of the money from the accounts of their firms (LLC “Trade House of Ukrkabel” and LLC “Trade House Cable Center”) were transferred to the accounts of the companies of the Sila group (LLC “Trade House” Metropolis “and LLC” Budalyans Company “).
Next – we tell more about the schemes of Bondar -Silo groups according to law enforcement.
Scheme 1: Overcharged prices for cable and conducting products (losses of UAH 140 million)
According to NABU, in 2021-2022 the group of People’s Deputy Bondar won in tenders for the supply of cable and conducting products for Ukrzaliznytsia. The cost of production was inflated by 30 to 60%, while other tender participants were eliminated for far -fetched reasons. The purchase of cable and conducting products includes the People’s Deputy Bondar, SBU-LASHLIV, businessman Kotlyar and 7 more people.
The investigation believes that the members of the Sila group informally controlled Ukrzaliznytsia and could have the victory of the required firms, including Bondar, for a certain percentage of the purchases.
“According to detectives, the People’s Deputy of Ukraine and its accomplices, entrepreneurs, developed a scheme that provided the supply of products of JSC“ Ukrzaliznytsia ”at inflated prices. To do this, they came into conspiracy with the members of another organized group, headed by a freelance adviser to the head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine, the first deputy head of the Security Service of Ukraine, which in particular included officials of the UZ. Acting as a peculiar “back office” of the company, members of the second organized group informally controlled its activities and could have the victory of companies under the amount of procurement under the amount of procurement ”
National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
(NABU)
Law enforcement officers believe that Bondar -controlled companies applied for tenders. The competitors were disqualified for far -fetched reasons, and the winner was recognized by Bondar with a much higher price.
“As a result, during 2021-2022, the UZ tenders for the supply of cable and conducting products illegally won the company-controlled entrepreneur. During the tenders with the assistance of officials of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsya”, these companies agreed their actions and in different ways overstated the expected cost of products. Thus, Ukrzaliznytsia has concluded contracts with controlled enterprises that have made products at prices above market ones ”
National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
(NABU)
Photo: Scheme on Purchase of Ukrzaliznytsia according to NABU
Scheme 2: double price transformers (losses 99.9 million UAH) and links with Belarus
According to the investigation, in 2022-2024 Ukrzalize The jerk purchased power transformers at a price twice as high as market. A company associated with a Belarusian businessman who had ties with Russia won.
Shilo allegedly interfered personally in the procurement process, sending letters from the SBU to Ukrzaliznytsia with warnings about the “threat of national security” from other suppliers. At the same time, as an employee of the SBU, Shilo completely ignored the connection of the supplier with the aggressor country.
“In June-December 2022, the group leader through control officials of Ukrzaliznytsia ensured the election of a predefined company by a supplier of power transformers at an inflated cost. The company was controlled by a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. The group leader organized the preparation and referral to the UZ letter “On Threats of State Security”, which became the basis for rejecting the proposals of other participants in the procurement with much more favorable price conditions. However, the real threat was that he ignored the citizenship of the company controller and his relations with the Russian Federation. Subsequently, the “winner” through the registered in Bulgaria, a controlled company-layout purchased transformers from the manufacturer in Uzbekistan and resold the UZ at a price artificially increased by almost twice “
National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
(NABU)
The suspects in this scheme include 10 people, including Artem Shilo, his former subordinate Alexander Kovalyuk, former Ukrzaliznytsia official Alexei Onisimyuk and others.
Scheme 3: Legalization of 155 million UAH through fictitious services and real estate
The proceeds were legalized through the fictitious companies of Sila. In addition to the traditional purchase of elite real estate – penthouses, apartments and commercial objects on false persons, even beauty salons were used to discuss money. In this way, Shilos with accomplices were able to legalize more than UAH 155 million.
“Beck-Office leader” UZ during 2021-2023 legalized the funds received as a result of the implementation of equipment. In particular, they transferred them to the accounts of the controlled individuals and legal entities under the guise of payment for the services of “beauty salons”, as well as purchased elite real estate (penthouse, apartments, houses, commercial real estate) on controlled persons with a total value of more than 155 million UAH. In this episode, the leader of the organized criminal group and a religious act was reported to the leader of the organized criminal group. ”
National Anti -Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
(NABU)
Impact and scale of schemes: how corruption has undergone a state from within
The theft of hundreds of millions of hryvnias from Ukrzaliznytsia is not just a criminal episode. It is a case that exposes the systemic problems of the Ukrainian system of power and justice: the fusion of politicians with security forces, the use of national security as a tool of pressure and the threat of penetration into critical infrastructure by hostile states.
The participants of the fraud, as evidenced by the investigations data, had a political cover in parliament and the SBU, which allowed them to act with impunity for years. And the purchase of Ukrzaliznytsia from the company of Belarus, which is relevant to the aggressor state, poses a threat to national security due to the possible influence of special services of the Russian Federation on the strategic objects of Ukraine.
Losses for Ukrzaliznytsia
The corruption scheme has caused losses to more than UAH 240 million – money that could go to infrastructure development. Ukrzaliznytsia is a strategic company that not only provides passenger and cargo transportation, but also plays an important role in military logistics during the war. Corruption in procurement directly undermined its financial stability and could even affect the country’s defense capability.
As a result of the schemes of the groups and Bondar, the money that was supposed to go for rolling stock, infrastructure and safety of transportation was settled in the pockets of corrupt officials.
Landings could supply products with late or low quality, which delayed repairs and upgrades. In addition, the losses of the UZ could be partially overlapped by increasing tickets and freight prices.
Corruption in the Power
One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the use of the Security Service of Ukraine as a tool for implementing the corruption scheme. Artem Shilo, holding a post in the SBU, sent Ukrzaliznytsia is fake official letters with warnings that certain companies are “related to the Russian Federation” or “create risks for critical infrastructure”. After receiving such letters, the tender commissions were forced to disqualify the participants, even if they offered much more favorable conditions. At the same time, the protection of the SBU-pillar insists that the awl did not prepare the letters personally and in general the letters were only advisory.
Similar schemes with the participation of SBU officials undermine confidence in law enforcement agencies, special services and create a sense of impunity of security forces. Using Artem Audm SBU as a tool for its own enrichment creates a risk to national security and can undermine the country’s combat capability in war.
Belarusian trace also the risk of Russian intervention
One of the episodes of the scheme is related to the purchase of transformations in a company controlled by a citizen of Belarus who had ties with Russia. This opens up the potential opportunity to penetrate Russian structures into the critical infrastructure of Ukraine through corruption schemes. We explain in more detail.
Transformers are electrical devices that convert the voltage to power the contact network, signaling, communication and lighting. They provide stable operation of electric trains, translating high voltage from main lines to safer for equipment. Without working transformers, the movement of electric trains becomes impossible, and any failure can lead to accidents or stops on lines.
Therefore, frauds with their purchase and purchase from a company controlled by a citizen of one of the aggressor countries not only beat the budget, but also directly threaten the safety of transportation. We also take into account that Ukrzaliznytsia plays an important role in maintaining the country’s defense capability.
Reputation consequences for Ukraine
The case of schemes at Ukrzaliznytsia with the participation of the People’s Deputy, UZ employees, the SBU employee and the availability of the persons involved in the higher echelons of government can be a reason to review international assistance programs. Western partners can increase the pressure on the Ukrainian authorities, demanding real results in the fight against corruption.
The main suspicions
The investigation of NABU and SAP has become a demonstration case for public procurement reform. Arrest of assets of scheme participants on UAH 1.4 billion – The signal that corrupt officials can lose everything, even if they have felt intact for years. Currently, the case is already transferred to the court, and the direct organizers and participants of the fraud have already received suspicions and even precautions.
Artem Shilo – received suspicion under Part 3 of Art. 27 (organization of the criminal group), Part 5 of Art. 191 (appropriation, theft or seizure of large -sized property, which caused significant damage to state interests), Part 1 of Art. 263 (illegal handling of firearms). He was detained on April 2, 2024. But almost immediately Freedom was free of charge of UAH 30 million with an obligation to wear an electronic bracelet.
Photo: Artem Shilo in court
That is why experts There is doubt As for the real punishment for sew. Political scientist Viktor Nevzhenko notes that Shilo belongs to the category of “inviolable” and has ties with one of the assistants of the presidential office head, which can provide him with protection. Political technologist Vitaliy Bala adds that officials are often delayed in Ukraine, but there are no real results, especially when it comes to persons close to power.
Victor Bondar – the People’s Deputy was suspected of articles 27 of part 3 (organization of a criminal group) and 191 part 5 (appropriation, theft or seizure of property in large amounts) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In February 2025, the court chose a pre -trial detention for Victor Bondar for a period of 60 days with the possibility of bail of UAH 100 million. Since the pledge was not made, Bondar remained in custody.
Photo: Victor Bondar in Court (left)
Vladimir Kotlyar – Businessman from Khmelnytskyi received suspicion of articles 27 part 3 (organization of a criminal group) and 191 part 5 (appropriation, theft or seizure of property in large amounts) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The boiler was taken into custody with a pledge of 100 million UAH.
The public expects a fair trial so that such cases do not remain properly and punishment. If justice gives fair sentences, it will be a step to a real change in the culture of impunity in Ukraine. But if the process is delayed or collapses in the courts, it can undermine society’s trust in anti -corruption institutions.