Mykolaiv region: a new hub for corruption schemes?

The Mykolaiv region appears to have become a testing ground for dubious schemes. Instead of supporting local businesses, officials are creating pressure mechanisms, setting unofficial rates for the opportunity to operate without obstacles.

According to the Telegram channel "VIY", after Vyacheslav Prokofiev, who attempted to return to his post through the courts, left, new managers arrived in the region from Zhytomyr Oblast.

Who is behind the "business subscriptions" scheme?

A key role in organising extortion is played by Denis Melnychenko, who maintains close ties with the head of the risk department, Maryna Baryakhtar. Together, they have established a scheme for selling "subscriptions" for businesses, which allow them to avoid administrative problems:

2% for tax evasion schemes ("scrutka");
$3,000–10,000 for removal from the list of "risky enterprises";
20% kickback for VAT refunds.

To control the process, a special commission was established under the leadership of a certain Kornev, which in reality does not meet. All decisions are made by Melnychenko personally, determining who remains on the risky list and who is allowed to operate.

Financial flows and criminal influence

As a result of this scheme, more than 500 enterprises linked to tax evasion, dubious imports, and transit operations changed their legal registration from Kyiv and Zhytomyr Oblasts to Mykolaiv Oblast. Meanwhile, legitimate businesses are experiencing immense pressure.

However, the problems do not end there. When a farmer or entrepreneur ends up on the risky list, representatives of the criminal underworld may "accidentally" show up. According to the investigation, a certain "Sturgeon" from Mykolaiv offers "help" in resolving issues for a fee.

In effect, officials collaborate with criminals, passing on information about enterprises, the size of bribes, and the contacts of businessmen who need "help".