The Yabko hardware store chain, which found itself at the center of a high-profile scandal over suspicions of smuggling and tax evasion, continues to operate and even expand, despite searches and the seizure of over $100 million worth of goods.
This is reported by the Telegraph.
According to law enforcement officials, in February 2026, the Bureau of Economic Security conducted a series of searches in Lviv and other cities. As a result, significant amounts of equipment were seized, as well as financial documentation, seals, and materials that may indicate large-scale tax minimization schemes.
Despite the investigative actions, the Yabko chain has not shut down its operations. Stores continue to operate as usual, and the company is even opening new outlets, in particular in Kamianske and Boryspil.
In addition, the company actively promotes promotional offers with discounts of up to 50%, which looks in contrast to the accusations of millions in losses to the budget.
According to the investigation, the network could have used several schemes to optimize taxes:
- import of equipment at an undervalue;
- use of forged documents;
- fragmentation of sales through hundreds of controlled sole proprietorships;
- lack of fiscal checks during the sale.
The case file states that during the searches, documents related to more than 150 individual entrepreneurs were discovered. Seals of dozens of companies that may be part of a single financial structure were also found.
This is not the first time law enforcement agencies have been paying attention to Yabko's activities. Since 2018, they have been investigating possible schemes to smuggle Apple equipment.
In 2023, the defendants in the case were suspected of tax evasion, but the case was then closed after damages were paid.
Despite numerous statements from officials, including representatives of the tax service and parliament, the network continues to operate stably.
Officially, the owners of Yabko are considered to be entrepreneurs Mykola Kahnych and Vitaliy Turkovets. At the same time, journalists point to possible connections with other business structures and influential individuals.
In particular, the investigations mention companies associated with businessman Petro Dyminsky, who has been wanted since 2017.
Despite the high-profile searches and a new criminal case, the key question remains open: will this case become a turning point for the "gray" technology market in Ukraine?.
Currently, the situation looks like this: even after large-scale investigative actions, the business continues to operate without significant restrictions — opening new stores, holding promotions, and maintaining its positions in the market.
Experts note that without systemic solutions and real verdicts, such cases risk remaining just informational pretexts without long-term consequences.
