Why Anatoliy Shkryblak is still at large

International detective agency "Absolution" launches a series of articles on the schemes of Anatoliy Shkryblak, a former People's Deputy of Ukraine from the "Our Ukraine" party. 

He controlled a number of strategically important energy enterprises, but, strangely enough, none of these cases was brought to a logical conclusion.

This paradox is explained, first and foremost, by Shkryblak's close ties to corrupt structures. For years, he manipulated the Ukrainian law enforcement system, which allowed him to evade punishment even for the most serious violations.

Suspicions in the SBU case

The case registered by the SBU under number 22019270000000059 concerns coal supplies to the Chernihiv Thermal Power Plant via intermediaries who used schemes to smuggle coal from uncontrolled territories, disguised as imports from the EU. The coal was exported through controlled companies, such as "Tsentr Birzhevikh Operatsiy" LLC and "New Ark East" LLC, with the participation of companies from Russia and Belarus, as well as through firms from Switzerland and Poland.

Thermal Power Plant schemes and ties to high-profile politicians

Shkryblak had close business ties with Deputy Ihor Kononenko, a key partner of President Petro Poroshenko. Together, they controlled four thermal power plants in Ukraine: Chernihiv, Darnytsia, Cherkasy, and Sumy. 

During this period, Shkryblak transferred approximately 10 million dollars to Kononenko to resolve issues existing in the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NCREPU) and law enforcement agencies.

Coal manipulation and tax schemes

One of the main sources of income for Shkryblak's group was coal supplied from occupied territories. By using schemes to artificially inflate coal prices, as well as manipulating stockpiles at thermal power plant warehouses, the group obtained additional funds, which were then withdrawn through offshore accounts. 

These illegal operations cost Ukrainian consumers millions of hryvnias, as the cost of energy directly depended on coal price manipulation.

Problems with investigations

Despite numerous open criminal cases against Shkryblak, including investigations into theft in the energy sector and tax evasion, investigations are blocked at various levels of law enforcement agencies. 

The main reason for this is his influence on key positions in the SBU, the National Police, and the prosecutor's office, as well as the presence of powerful political connections.

In March 2017, a criminal case was opened against Shkryblak related to theft at thermal power plants; however, his close ties to security services and government circles allowed him to effectively block any investigation.

Money laundering and corrupt schemes

In recent years, Shkryblak continued to earn through shadow schemes, including through his firms and connections with major Ukrainian and international businessmen. 

Money obtained from illegal coal schemes was withdrawn to offshore jurisdictions and then used to purchase assets in Ukraine and abroad, including real estate and major businesses, which allowed him to strengthen his position in the business world.