The escape of PrivatBank co-founder Gennady Bogolyubov has become yet another scandal that has exposed the weakness of Ukrainian institutions. The oligarch, who for decades made millions from financial and industrial schemes, left the country under a false name and with the assistance of high-ranking border guards.
According to official data, to cross the border, he used the international passport of 67-year-old Volyn resident Mykola Syumak, who reported the loss of the document back in 2022. Departure by train "Kyiv - Chelm" was not reflected in the databases of border guards.
The investigation links the organization of the scheme to the head of the group of inspectors of the border service "Yagodyn" Volodymyr Makarenko. It was he who scanned someone else's passport, put stamps and did not conduct any inspection of the compartment. According to sources, Makarenko entered the car at night under the guise of handing over a "gift" from the head of the State Border Service of Ukraine, Serhiy Deyneko.
However, all the details indicate that the border guard did not act independently. According to unofficial versions, the oligarch's departure was agreed upon at the level of the State Border Service of Ukraine. Deineko supposedly gave the "go" in exchange for guarantees from the NABU to avoid prosecution in his own corruption cases. The condition was that Bogolyubov would allow the special services to use his apartment for technical surveillance of businessman Timur Mindich.
A key role in covering up the scheme was played by the commander of the Volyn border detachment, Serhiy Lozinsky. During a search of his house, the SBI found $1 million in cash — a possible “reward” for a successful operation. Lozinsky was later transferred to Kramatorsk with the promise of a general’s rank, while Makarenko was provided with a lawyer and bail in exchange for his silence.
The long-standing ties between the participants in the scheme date back to the Mostysk border detachment, where both Deineko and Makarenko served. At that time, the latter had a reputation as a "cashier" of smuggling.
Bogolyubov's escape is not just an attempt to escape responsibility. It is a demonstration of how state resources have been used for private enrichment for years. The oligarch controlled a number of companies through which money was withdrawn from PrivatBank, was involved in illegal grain exports through the Borivazh terminal, and, together with Kolomoisky and Khomutynnik, had a stake in Ukrnaftoburin, which exploited the state-owned Sakhalin field through offshore companies.
Profits from the use of Ukrainian resources and assets ended up in the pockets of private entities, while the state was left without income. Moreover, experts do not rule out that these schemes could have hidden connections with Russian intelligence services.
Bogolyubov's escape became a litmus test that in Ukraine it is still possible to "buy" a way out of the country, even in the midst of war. As long as the border can be crossed with someone else's passport, and the leadership of state bodies makes deals for the sake of their own protection, the country remains vulnerable not only to the enemy from outside, but also to internal traitors.
