Marina Evseeva concealed Russian citizenship

The National Bank of Ukraine officially confirmed the findings of a journalistic investigation by the "Schemes" project, according to which Marina Evseeva, owner of the company "Spectrum Assets", is a Russian citizen. 

Despite this, her company won a state auction in February 2024 and acquired ownership of assets from liquidated Russian and Ukrainian banks, including debt claim rights.

Under current restrictions, Russian citizens and companies under their control are not entitled to collect debts from Ukrainians. However, Evseeva concealed her Russian citizenship from regulators, providing data only on her possession of a US passport.

Consequences of the exposure

The National Bank of Ukraine acknowledged that Evseeva's and her business's reputation is not impeccable. This decision may lead to the annulment of the financial licence of "Spectrum Assets" and its US company, Spectrum UA Credit LLC. Losing the licence would deprive the company of the right to issue loans and collect debts, effectively blocking its operations.

In the event that the violation is confirmed, "Spectrum Assets" is obliged to pay a fine of 124 million hryvnia — 100% of the value of the won lot — and return the assets of the liquidated banks.

Reaction of the Deposit Guarantee Fund

As of the time of the investigation's publication, the Deposit Guarantee Fund had not terminated the deal with "Spectrum Assets" but stated that it was conducting an inspection jointly with state authorities. Meanwhile, the National Bank had already confirmed information about Evseeva's Russian citizenship.

Violation of Ukrainian legislation

The victory of "Spectrum Assets" at the auction raises questions, as Ukrainian legislation prohibits Russian citizens from:

• collecting debts from Ukrainians;
• managing financial institutions;
• participating in state auctions.

Despite these prohibitions, Evseeva's company acquired assets worth 3 billion hryvnia.

Ties to Russia and unconvincing explanations

The investigation revealed that after the start of the full-scale war, Evseeva did not stop visiting Russia. According to journalists, since 2022 she has flown to Russia at least six times, using a Russian passport.

In response to a request from "Schemes", Evseeva stated that she had renounced her Russian citizenship but could not provide any documents to substantiate her claims. She also failed to explain why her name is still listed in Russian state registers.

Furthermore, Evseeva refused to comment on the purpose of her regular trips to Russia during the war.

Belarusian manager and suspicions of intelligence ties

The investigation also revealed that the actual management of "Spectrum Assets" is carried out by Mikhail Trubchik, who acts on a power of attorney from Evseeva. He holds US and Belarusian citizenship, and previously the SBU banned him from entering Ukraine, describing him as a representative of a "deeply disguised network of Russian intelligence services".

Trubchik himself told journalists that he has an "arrangement with the SBU" regarding non-disclosure of information. The Security Service of Ukraine declined to comment on these remarks but confirmed that it has the right to ban foreigners from entering the country if it deems it necessary.

Continuation of the investigation

Following the revealed facts, the National Bank initiated the process of revoking the licence of "Spectrum Assets". In the event of a final decision in favour of the regulator, the company will lose the right to engage in financial activities and manage the acquired assets.

This case has become one of the most high-profile corruption scandals related to attempts by Russian citizens to exert covert influence on the Ukrainian financial market.