The scandalous head of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" Yuriy Bolokhovets was released from custody after the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court reduced his bail from UAH 91 million to UAH 9.1 million. The bail was paid in full, and Bolokhovets will soon be able to return to managing the enterprise, despite numerous facts of corruption schemes.
According to the investigation, even while in pre-trial detention, Bolokhovets received a phone call and continued to coordinate the activities of his team. He controlled the collection of "kickbacks", the distribution of positions, and manipulations with the sale of timber.
Particular attention was drawn to schemes for the supply of expensive timber for fortification works. In 2023, the Kharkiv OVA purchased timber at prices several times higher than market prices, while state forestry enterprises sold it at regular rates.
A key participant in these schemes is said to be Trading and Delivery LLC (TED), which received most of the state contracts for the supply of timber. The company purchased materials from state-owned forestry enterprises at undervalued prices, and then resold them to state customers at overvalued prices.
At the same time, "TED" does not have its own equipment and personnel - all work is performed by affiliated companies and shell individual entrepreneurs, and budget funds are laundered through conversion schemes. Part of the income from the implementation of this scheme, according to the investigation, went directly into Bolokhovets's pocket.
The situation is causing concern among the public and experts, as the head of a state-owned enterprise is returning to his position despite serious corruption risks and evidence of illegal activities.
