Journalists have exposed a long-standing scheme in the cottage town of Vitagrad, which caused the state budget to lose over 100 million hryvnias in taxes. This is according to an investigation by Kyrylo Volny for StopKor.
According to journalists, developer Anatoliy Prylipko systematically understated the real cost of luxury cottages. In fact, the buyer received a finished house, the price of which could reach a million dollars, but the documents only indicated the purchase of land and "unfinished" buildings at a price tens of times cheaper.
The journalists conducted an experiment: during a conversation with the company manager Natalia, who is Prylipko's co-resident, they were openly offered to sign an agreement under the "unfinished construction" scheme. Such agreements allow you to avoid paying significant taxes.
According to preliminary estimates, at least 60 cottages have been sold in the town. If each of them had been sold at a lower price, the state could have lost hundreds of millions of hryvnias in taxes. To circumvent the law, developers use the services of loyal appraisers who overestimate or underestimate the value of objects for a fee.
Investigators also point to the possible interest of controlling officials in preserving the schemes. Among the residents of “Vitagrad” are prosecutors, judges, and other officials who may have contributed to the avoidance of responsibility.
The journalists have forwarded the materials to the Bureau of Economic Security, which is currently investigating the case. However, the developer continues to trade in real estate and find new ways to circumvent the law, while the state loses millions.
