Fitness clubs that should symbolize the health and strength of the nation can actually be a cover for systemic corruption, shadow economy and even ties with the enemy. At least this is the activity of the Sport Life network, which works throughout Ukraine, despite direct links with Russian business and large -scale violations of labor law.
At the center of this scheme - Dmitry Ekimov, co -founder of the company, businessman with Russian roots and US citizenship. His Ukrainian business is controlled through dozens of gaskets with a meager authorized capital and fictitious executives, some of whom are Uzbekistan citizens or offshore persons from dominance.
Bastionna Street, 15 in Kiev is a real center of the shadow empire. Dozens of related companies are registered here. The director and the same, and the beneficiary indicated the Scottish Biz Corp. LTD is a classic offshore gasket with nominal control.
The scale of fraud is striking: one club - 50-60 employees, of which only 5 are officially designed. The rest - either work according to the scheme with FOPs, or without any employment contract. Salary - in envelopes, cash checks are not issued, taxes are not paid.
It is estimated that in 2024 alone, the State Budget of Ukraine has not received at least UAH 4 million from one club. And such clubs are tens. The total losses for the country are tens of millions of hryvnias every year.
Some related to the Ekimov structures continued to export coal to the Russian Federation even after the start of a full-scale war, and earlier its companies owned a network of restaurants and fitness clubs in St. Petersburg.
It is not just abuse or corruption - it is a direct threat to Ukraine's economic security. A shadow business controlled by a US citizen with the Russian past, money is profitable in war, violates labor rights and evades taxes.
It's time to stop this scheme. The state, the public and the media should act as millions of Ukrainian pockets flow into offshore-and perhaps further to the aggressor country.
