Former MP and his son exposed for running business in occupied Luhansk region

Law enforcement officials have exposed a business scheme organised by former People's Deputy Nikolai Gapochka and his son Andriy. According to "Ukrainska Pravda", following the occupation of Luhansk region in 2022, they continued their commercial activities, re-registered their companies under Russian legislation, and paid taxes into the Russian budget.

How the scheme worked

After the establishment of the occupation regime, Gapochka and his sons restructured their agricultural business in accordance with Russian legislation. Key roles within the company were taken by close associates who remained in the occupied territory and obtained Russian passports.

The investigation revealed that the enterprises not only paid taxes to Russia but also received financial support in the form of subsidies from the so-called "Ministry of Finance of the 'LNR'" and the "Ministry of Agriculture of the 'LNR'". Between 2023 and 2024, they transferred nearly 8 million rubles to the Russian budget.

Accusations and searches

Operatives conducted searches at the suspects' places of residence. As a result, the following items were seized:

• $690,000,
• €87,000,
• 960,000 hryvnias,
• documents and rough notes,
• cars and other physical evidence.

One of Gapochka's sons has already been notified of suspicion under the article on "collaborationist activity" (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 4 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The issue of preventive measures is currently being considered.

What penalties face the suspects

This article provides for up to five years of imprisonment, as well as a ban on holding certain positions or conducting business for 10 to 15 years. An additional measure provided for is the confiscation of property.

Law enforcement officials are continuing the investigation, examining other possible links between Gapochka and the occupation authorities.