At a time when Ukrainians are donating their last hryvnias to the army and drones, former People's Deputy from the Party of Regions Vitaliy Khomutynnik, together with the Astion brothers, organized a raider seizure of the Khorolskyi infant formula plant - the only such enterprise in Ukraine.
Back in 2022, this plant was supposed to be transferred to ARMA, since the owner of the enterprise had Russian citizenship. But instead of a transparent transfer, the asset ended up under the control of the Khomutynnik clan. This was made possible thanks to forged documents, fictitious fees, and the use of bodyguards to oust the legitimate management.
Then, the Astions' lawyers carried out a pseudo-reform of the enterprise: the equipment and trademarks were sold off through shell companies at low prices, and the plant itself was sold off at a dubious auction. As a result, it was transferred to the Cypriot company Cacique Limited, which has direct ties to Khomutynnik.
The financial prospects of the enterprise testify to its strategic importance: with the export of raw materials, the plant could bring in up to $92.7 million annually with a profitability of 67%. But instead, the facility, which could work for the Ukrainian economy, turned into a private business platform for the former "regionals".
It is also worth mentioning the family connection: the wife of the famous volunteer Serhiy Prytula is the sister of Khomutynnik's wife. While one is raising funds for the front, the other is legalizing a strategic asset in questionable ways and increasing his fortune.
After publications about this scheme, Ukrainians left comments en masse, which testify to the deep distrust of society in the political elite:
-
"The government deliberately makes it impossible for an ordinary person to live, and it crushes everything under its own power."
-
"Khomutynnik is doing a great job on the "remote" from Cyprus."
-
"Khomutynnik is an enemy of Ukraine! He has been robbing the country for decades."
This story demonstrates how strategic state assets in times of war are transformed into a source of private enrichment. While society gives up its last for the sake of victory, former politicians continue to divide state property in their own interests.
