Lev Goldberg helped Russians loot Ukraine

In the spring of 2022, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated the Kyiv region from Russian occupiers, the world was shocked by the scale of the destruction. One of the towns that suffered heavily from Russian aggression was Makarov. 

However, a journalistic investigation revealed unexpected connections between local elites and their cooperation with individuals linked to Russia and the era of Viktor Yanukovych's rule.

Lev Goldberg and his ties to Yanukovych's businessmen

Lev Goldberg, the owner of 46 land plots in the village of Havronshchyna, where the well-known GolfStream golf club is located, is not as straightforward as he may appear at first glance. Despite his outward respectability, his activities have deep roots in the business structures of the Yanukovych era. Lev Goldberg was one of the founders of the now-bankrupt "Green Bank" and "Artem Bank," which in turn were linked to businessman Yuri Ivanushchenko, a close associate of the former president.

Goldberg was among the founders of "Green Bank" in 2008 and also participated in the establishment of "Artem Bank" in 2002. From the very beginning, the banks were connected to major construction projects, including the development of elite complexes. One such project was the GolfStream golf club in Makariv district.

Secret land and an elite club

The territory on which GolfStream was built comprises 50 hectares, for which numerous land plots were issued. Part of the land was acquired through 30 close associates, sparking rumours of corrupt schemes. The golf club site became a venue for international competitions, including diplomatic tournaments. Notably, despite the opening of a criminal case regarding the illegal acquisition of land, the club continued to operate, which also raises questions.

Ties with Russians: from Panama Papers to Russian capital

Journalistic investigations revealed close ties between Goldberg and individuals with connections to Russia. One of the founders of the firm "Almagama," which played a significant role in the construction, was Brenda Patricia Coxedge — a UK resident who later moved to Dubai. Her name appeared in the Panama Papers, as well as in cases involving Russian businessmen.

One of the most striking examples of such connections was Cypriot Christina Palala, linked to major Ukrainian markets. Her name is also associated with Yuri Ivanushchenko, who, through his companies, gained control over one of Ukraine's largest markets, "7 Kilometers." The structures created by these individuals turned out to be linked to Russian capital, adding further dark spots to Goldberg's reputation.

Ambiguous partners and criminal investigations

Noteworthy is the involvement of Valery Kozirenko, Lev Goldberg's business partner, in court proceedings related to "Artem Bank." During the investigation, it was established that Russian citizens linked to Goldberg participated in a scheme aimed at seizing the bank's funds. These events led to significant financial losses for the bank — approximately 182 million hryvnia.

Mysterious events of 2022

During the occupation of Kyiv Oblast, information emerged that Lev Goldberg allegedly sheltered Russian occupiers on the territory of his golf club. Despite the lack of confirmation of this version, and the fact that the club was at the stage of restoration at the time, such rumours only add to the mystery surrounding his ties with Russia.