Case description
The NABU and the SAPO have charged Ihor Hladkovskyi, the son of the former First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and former Director of the state-owned company Ukrspetsexport, Pavlo Bukin, with causing nearly UAH 13 million in damages to the state during the procurement of aircraft altimeters.
According to the prosecution, Hladkovskyi Jr. leveraged his father's position — the then First Deputy Secretary of the NSDC — and his influence over defense enterprises within the state-run Ukroboronprom conglomerate to allegedly solicit bribes.
With his father's help, Hladkovskyi Jr. reportedly facilitated Bukin’s appointment as Director General of Ukrspetsexport in February 2016. In return, Bukin was expected to sign contracts on behalf of the company with firms controlled by Hladkovskyi Jr. under terms that would allow the latter to benefit financially.
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This plan culminated in August 2016, when Ukrspetsexport signed contracts for the purchase of aircraft radio-electronic equipment at inflated prices. As a result, the state suffered damages of nearly UAH 13 million. These are the very same “altimeters” featured in one of the most high-profile investigations by the Bihus.Info team in March 2019.
To implement the criminal scheme, Hladkovskyi involved AN Service LLC, which then signed a supply agreement with Asia Capital Overseas Limited, a company registered in Hong Kong.
According to the investigation, the parties colluded to procure the equipment for UAH 14.3 million, although the actual customs value of the supplied goods was only $90,000. A significant portion of the advance payment from Ukrspetsexport to AN Service was allegedly diverted for the illegal enrichment of those involved.
Ihor Hladkovskyi organized the receipt of a fictitious commercial offer to Ukrspetsexport, exercised control over AN Service LLC, and concluded contracts. Since Hladkovskyi Jr. also allegedly had influence over the Hong Kong-based company, he received a $170,000 kickback (over UAH 11.3 million) after the funds were transferred.
The defense argues that there is no reliable evidence proving that AN Service was under Hladkovskyi’s control or that he involved it in the procurement. They maintain that media reports cannot serve as admissible evidence in criminal proceedings and claim there is no objective data confirming he received any unlawful benefit.
Hladkovskyi Jr. is currently abroad, though no official border crossing records exist. He stated that he left in March 2022 to obtain a medical certificate, which is now outdated, and he claims not to remember the diagnosis listed. Bukin has also been residing abroad since 2022.
Hladkovskyi's actions have been classified under Article 364(2) and Article 209(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Bukin has been charged under Article 364(2) only.
