Case description
On May 20, 2024, the HACC found accomplice Oleksii Shulhan guilty in the case of unlawful seizure of property of SE National Cinematheque of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as SE NCU). Based on the agreement, he was sentenced to 3 years of probation and additional penalties.
According to the investigation, starting in late 2015–early 2016, the organizers tried to implement an illegal scheme. The idea was to take possession of SE NCU's property through an auction under the guise of rehabilitation (insolvency rescue procedure).
Oleksii Shulhan, as an accomplice, was responsible for finding a participant, ensuring that this participant submitted documents for an auction, and organizing the awarding of a specific participant (West Prait LLC) at a predetermined price. After the National Cinematheque buildings were acquired, Shulhan had to ensure that the land under them was used for the construction of a residential complex.
Shulhan voluntarily filed a statement with the pre-trial investigation body, in which he confessed to the actions and unconditionally pleaded guilty to the crime under Article 364(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He also provided incriminating testimony against himself and other persons involved.
The HACC found Oleksii Shulhan guilty as an accomplice and sentenced him to 3 years of probation instead of 4 years in prison based on the plea deal. In addition, he had to pay a UAH 17,000 fine, and the court deprived him of the right to hold certain positions for a year.
Another criminal case was also initiated regarding the events around the National Cinematheque. The case involved Ruslan Bandurystyi, former insolvency administrator of the company, who had forged documents for the subsequent sale of the SE's property.
