Employees of the State Bureau of Investigation completed the investigation of the criminal proceedings against the former top officials of the "Finance and Credit" bank, who are suspected of embezzling property in the amount of more than 608 million hryvnias. According to the SDB, one of the bank's shareholders in the period from 2007 to 2015 organized a complex lending scheme for companies controlled by him, which allowed the bank's funds to be transferred to offshore accounts for their further legalization.
The scheme worked thanks to loyal high-ranking bank officials who unjustifiably increased credit limits for companies controlled by the shareholder. Only one of such episodes caused losses to the bank in the amount of over 608 million hryvnias. To mask their actions, the members of the criminal organization entered into additional agreements to the main credit agreements, increasing the limits without providing the bank with liquid collateral.
The extras in the case are charged under Articles 255 and 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provide for participation in a criminal organization and embezzlement of someone else's property in particularly large amounts. They face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain positions for up to three years.
Currently, the defense side is reviewing the case materials, after which it will be handed over to the court. It is worth noting that last year a case was already initiated against one of the former deputy heads of the bank's board, who is suspected of withdrawing more than 560 million hryvnias for the benefit of the owner.
