Head of charity fund suspected of embezzling 2.5 million hryvnia

Investigative authorities in Kharkiv Oblast are conducting an investigation into Victoria Korets (Pecherska), head of the charity fund «Безмежна підтримка» ("Bezmezna pidtrymka"). The woman has been charged under articles on the laundering of illegal proceeds and the misuse of humanitarian aid.

According to the investigation, in September 2023, the well-known Ukrainian comedian Slava Keder announced on social media a fundraising campaign to purchase quadcopters for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Within a few days, followers transferred 2.5 million hryvnia, after which the blogger handed the money over to Victoria Korets's fund for the procurement of drones. However, law enforcement officials claim that the funds raised were not used for their intended purpose.

Drones for "other" buyers

Victoria Korets, while in Poland, agreed to assist with the purchase of quadcopters and on 18 September provided the fund's banking details for the transfer. The woman assured that by 5 October the drones would be handed over to the military. However, in reality, the money was distributed differently:

• 1.95 million hryvnia was spent on purchasing drones that went to third parties:
  • 3 Mavic 3T – 540,000 UAH (handed over to Bagirov Shipping Agency LLC);
  • 2 Mavic 3T – 508,000 UAH (handed over to an entrepreneur);
  • 2 Mavic 3T – 556,500 UAH (another sole proprietor);
  • 1 Mavic 3T and 1 Mavic 3 – 347,100 UAH (handed over to another sole proprietor).

Thus, instead of the purchased quadcopters being handed over to Slava Keder, they were received by other buyers. Investigators believe that in this way Korets "settled" her old obligations to these individuals.

Financial transfers and personal gain

In addition, 548,000 hryvnia was transferred to Victoria Korets's personal accounts in other banks. The funds were recorded as «чистий підприємницький дохід» ("net entrepreneurial income"), which, according to the investigation, indicates the illegal appropriation of part of the funds raised.

As a result, the woman has been formally suspected under articles 201-2 (part 3) and 209 (part 1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A seizure order has been issued for her property in Kharkiv seized.

Based on materials from 368.media