The case of gas procurement by MP Bielashov: the episode of Oleksandr Berkovych

The case of gas procurement by MP Bielashov: the episode of Oleksandr Berkovych
Start of the trial 24 October 2023
Date of verdict 6 December 2023
Instance HACC AC
Stage of criminal proceedings Appeal proceedings

The HACC convicted Oleksandr Berkovych, former assistant to ex-MP Valerii Lunchenko, who had been involved in the purchase of gas by a branch of Ukrzaliznytsia at inflated prices. Berkovych is a defendant in the case of Poltava Regional Council member Serhii Bielashov. 

These events occured in 2016–2020, when the Production Support Center branch of UZ purchased natural gas from private companies Yug-Gaz LLC and Skela Tercium LLC at an inflated price of more than UAH 206 million. At that time, the state suffered almost UAH 204 million in losses.

 

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The prosecution claimed that Berkovych had provided more than UAH 24 million in bribes to his old acquaintance, an employee of the Production Support Center branch of Ukrzaliznytsia. For this amount, UZ had to purchase gas from Skela Tertium LLC without complying with the requirements of the law. 

Berkovych's actions were qualified under Art. 369, part 1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The HACC approved the plea agreement, according to which Berkovych must pay UAH 3 million to the Armed Forces. He was exempted from a fine of UAH 12,750 due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. 

One of the judges who delivered the sentence provided a separate opinion, where she noted that Berkovych effectively had committed the crime provided for in Art. 369, part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and therefore the agreement could not be approved due to incorrect qualifications.

Proceeding No. 52023000000000527
Case No. 991/9417/23
Date the hearing was scheduled 27/10/2023
Qualification
Article 369, part 1
Instance Key parties
HACC AC 12/01/2024 Panel of judges: Pankulych V.I.
HACC 24/10/2023 Panel of judges: Shyroka K.Yu.
THE CASE OF OLEKSANDR BERKOVYCH
Appeal proceedings

Oleksandr Berkovych was found guilty of bribery. He was involved in a scheme to purchase gas at inflated prices with UAH 204 million in losses for the state. He was released from punishment due to the statute of limitations.

  • pic
    November 2016–December 2017
    Berkovych gave at least UAH 24 million in bribes to an official of the Ukrzaliznytsia branch for future fraud in gas procurement
  • October 20, 2023
    Berkovych concluded a plea agreement with the SAPO prosecutor
  • pic
    December 04, 2023
    the HACC found Berkovych guilty but released him from punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations

Decisions from the Register