The High Anti-Corruption Court has granted the prosecutor’s motion to conduct special judicial proceedings against MP Yaroslav Dubnevych, accused of organizing a scheme to embezzle more than UAH 2.1 billion worth of natural gas. The decision was made at a preparatory hearing on September 11.
Dubnevych did not appear in court, as he is currently abroad. The defence objected to an in absentia trial, arguing that the MP was not placed on an international wanted list and had requested to join the hearing by video conference. However, the court rejected these arguments and granted the prosecutor’s motion.
According to the prosecution, between 2013 and 2017 Dubnevych organized a scheme whereby thermal power plants under his control in Lviv region unlawfully acquired subsidized natural gas from Naftogaz of Ukraine that had been designated for household heating. Instead, 450 million cubic meters of this gas were used to generate electricity, which was subsequently sold at market prices.
In addition to embezzlement, Dubnevych is also charged with laundering more than UAH 457 million through offshore accounts. The funds were later repatriated to Ukraine under the guise of foreign investment in projects in Lviv region.
This is not the only criminal case against the MP. He is also suspected of unlawfully misappropriating more than UAH 93 million from Ukrzaliznytsia by organizing controlled tenders for the procurement of railway switches with substantial overpricing.