A citizen of the Republic of Belarus named Granz has become a subject of a large-scale investigation into the legalization of illegally obtained income. According to the investigation, he organized a complex money laundering scheme through controlled legal entities, including Duty Free Trading LLC, BF & GH Travel Retail Ltd LLC, VBET Ukraine LLC, and Kyivrianta LLC.
These companies were used to illegally trade in excisable goods, including tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Formally, the products were allegedly sold to passengers in duty-free shops, but in fact they were supplied to illegal markets in Ukraine and the EU countries. The cash received was converted into non-cash funds and transferred through Ukrainian banks to further finance the activities of the Vbet online casino network and legalize profits abroad.
These facts are being investigated within the framework of criminal proceedings No. 42025110000000248, which is being handled by the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office. The proceedings were opened on the grounds of crimes stipulated in Part 4 of Article 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - use of forged documents and organization of fictitious entrepreneurship.
The investigation is also investigating possible tax evasion, forgery of financial documents, and involvement in money laundering. Particular attention is being paid to the role of Granets' trusted associates: Roman Laponog, Simon Ford, Igor Megedynyuk, and Andriy Petkevych, who may have facilitated the scheme.
Law enforcement officers are investigating the sources of funds, the network of controlled companies, and the involvement of tax, customs, and banking officials in covering up illegal activities.
This investigation could become one of the most high-profile in the field of illegal gambling and money laundering involving international structures.
