The National Cinematheque's carve-up: the case of accomplice Oleksii Shulhan

The National Cinematheque's carve-up: the case of accomplice Oleksii Shulhan
Start of the trial 18 April 2024
Date of verdict 20 May 2024
Instance HACC
Verdict type
Punishment type Imprisonment
Stage of criminal proceedings Execution of sentence

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.

Proceeding No. 42019000000002463
Case No. 991/3330/24
Date the indictment/claim was received by the court 18/04/2024
Date the hearing was scheduled 18/04/2024
Duration of proceedings 816 days
Decision type Imprisonment
Decision status The sentence entered into force
Subject
  • Other
Qualification
Article 364, part 2
Separated from proceeding №
Instance Key parties
HACC AC 06/01/2025 Panel of judges: Panaid I.V.
HACC 18/04/2024 Panel of judges: Tanasevych O.V.
Donation to the Ukrainian Armed Forces based on the verdict 3 000 000 UAH

THE CASE OF OLEKSII SHULHAN
Execution of sentence

Oleksii Shulhan was an accomplice in the unlawful seizure of the National Cinematheque's property. He pleaded guilty and was exempted from prison.

  • September-October 2019
    The defendants conducted an auction and ensured the awarding of the predetermined company, which made an inflated price offer
  • October 2020
    Shulhan ordered a plan to protect against negative consequences after the auction results could be invalidated
  • February 15, 2021
    The Kyiv Commercial Court invalidated the results of the auction, sale and purchase agreements for the property complex, etc
  • pic
    April 12, 2024
    Shulhan was served with a suspicion notice
  • April 17, 2024
    Shulhan concluded a plea agreement with the SAPO prosecutor
  • pic
    May 20, 2024
    The HACC sentenced Shulhan to 3 years of probation and additional penalties based on the plea agreement

Decisions from the Register