Oleksandr Povoroznyuk is a character known for his loud statements, abusive speeches, and outrageous behavior. His media image is something between a “folk hero” and a “rebel without a cause.” However, behind this eccentric facade lies much more than meets the eye. What is the businessman and football functionary hiding, whom even the Myrotvorets website has included in its database as a “looter and thief”?
If you ask Google about Oleksandr Povoroznyuk, among the news about his latest swearing speech or scandalous statement, you might come across an interesting message: “Some results have been removed in accordance with European data protection law.” This means that, despite all his openness, he is actively cleaning up his own digital footprint. The question is: what exactly is he trying to hide?
Povoroznyuk himself does not hide the facts of his criminal record. In an interview, he said that he “served” twice: once in the Soviet army for attacking an officer and a sergeant, and the second time for stealing two canisters of diesel fuel. However, his other statements add to the confusion. In an interview with Natalia Moseychuk, he said: “I have three convictions.” And in a conversation with “Economic Truth” he already mentioned four convictions.
In open sources, one can find a mention of the 1998 case under the article “serious bodily harm”. This is a completely different level, which does not fit into his version about “diesel canisters”. And if Povoroznyuk himself openly talks about two convictions, then what is behind the rest? Why does he avoid the topic of the third and fourth?
Povoroznyuk's career also raises many questions. According to his own version, he rose thanks to a bank loan he received without collateral "on his word of honor." It seems that even in the 90s this would have sounded like fiction. However, at that time, behind him was a former KGB officer, Serhiy Ganzha, who later became a high-ranking SBU official, and after the Maidan he fled to Russia and joined the occupation administration of the Zaporizhzhia region.
Sources claim that back in the 1990s, Povoroznyuk was actively involved in embezzling state property, including State Reserve funds. His scheme was simple: get cheap fuel, sell it to agricultural enterprises on credit, and then seize their property for the debts.
Despite his criminal background, Povoroznyuk not only remains in the media space, but also receives support at the highest level. He actively cooperates with the Servant of the People party and even headed the party's district organization in the Kirovohrad region.
In 2023, the state even planned to make a film about him for a budget of 33.6 million hryvnias. After a loud scandal, the project was closed, but Povoroznyuk himself did not lose the support of the authorities. He is often shown on “Telemarathon”, and his main media advocate was presenter Natalia Moseychuk.
Povoroznyuk’s public image is that of a “people’s businessman” who helps the front. But behind this facade lies another image – a tough leader who ruthlessly deals with those who displease him. One of the latest scandals: his football club “Inhulets” “surrendered” one of his players to the military enlistment office when he refused to sign a new contract.
He wears a military uniform, has a registered assault rifle, and the title of “Major General of the Ukrainian Cossacks.” However, he is in no hurry to go to the front himself, instead sending others there.
Oleksandr Povoroznyuk is not just a scandalous agrarian or football functionary. He is a character with a deep criminal past who skillfully manipulates his public reputation, using the media and political connections for his own benefit. His loud statements, curses, and obscene language are not just expressiveness, but a clearly thought-out strategy. And while the authorities look on, he continues to build his own empire, sparing no effort.
