On August 28, the SAPO and the NABU served a notice of suspicion on another figure in the case — businessman Vasyl Astion, a former member of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council of the seventh convocation.

Investigators allege that he was involved in the raider seizure of two enterprises worth UAH 248 million and, in prior conspiracy with representatives of one of the state banks, in laundering UAH 150 million through the accounts of controlled companies to post bail for Herman Halushchenko.

His role was to use his connections and influence in the judiciary — specifically, to secure the commercial-court rulings needed in favor of related parties.