HACC concludes preparatory proceedings in the case of Odesa businessman Vadym Alperin
On March 18, 2025, the HACC concluded preparatory proceedings in the case of Odesa businessman Vadym Alperin, known as the “King of Ukrainian Smuggling.”
The defendant's defense lawyers submitted several motions, including:
- for the closure of the criminal proceedings;
- for the case to be considered in a partially closed session;
- a repeated motion to request documents from the Unified State Register of Pretrial Investigations;
- for consideration of the case by a single judge;
- for documents to be requested from the Pechersk Court and the technical commission responsible for recording court sessions.
However, the court dismissed the motions filed after the deadline, stating that these actions by the defense were clear abuses of the right intended to delay the process. The defense lawyer requested the indictment be returned to the prosecutor, but the court rejected the motion, stating that the relevant stage had already been completed.
During the hearing, the court's composition was also challenged due to dissatisfaction with its decisions on the motions. However, the court again deemed this an abuse of the right to challenge and refused to grant it.
The court emphasized that approximately one hundred motions are currently under consideration in this case. The defense continues to appeal court decisions, attempting to use every opportunity to delay the process. The presiding judge highlighted the importance of maintaining order in court and stated that, if necessary, the panel would appeal to disciplinary authorities to assess such actions.
The court noted that complaints and motions will be considered at the stage of evaluating evidence.
The NABU and SAPO accuse Odesa businessman Vadym Alperin of organizing a scheme to smuggle goods across the Ukrainian border. According to law enforcement, these actions resulted in losses of over UAH 60 million to the state.