Corruption investigation: The case of Alexander and Serhiy Katsuba

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine has completed the pre-trial investigation into the embezzlement of over 450 million hryvnia from the budget of Naftogaz of Ukraine in 2012–2013. The investigation focused on two defendants: Alexander Katsuba, former Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Naftogaz, and his brother Serhiy Katsuba.

Embezzlement scheme and charges

The investigation established that the Katsuba brothers used fictitious fuel procurement contracts to illegally appropriate company funds. The prosecution charged Alexander Katsuba with a series of criminal offences, including the establishment of a criminal organisation, abuse of office, and official forgery.

On 17 June 2016, Alexander Katsuba was detained. The very next day, the Holosiivskyi District Court of Kyiv ordered his detention with the possibility of bail in the amount of 450 million hryvnia.

Correspondence investigation and financial details

The Military Prosecutor’s Office examined correspondence seized from Alexander Katsuba, which shed light on his involvement in corruption schemes organised by former President Viktor Yanukovych. However, according to Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios, Katsuba was not part of Yanukovych’s inner circle. His motives were a craving for a luxurious lifestyle and a desire for high status.

Among the data discovered were expenses for a wedding in France costing 1.768 million euros, which included performances by Leps (120,000 euros), 95th Quarter (73,000 euros), and Vera Brezhneva (25,000 euros). Personalised towels for guests were also purchased for 40,000 euros.

The correspondence seized from Katsuba contained data on the purchase of Cartier jewellery for his wife, costing 100,000 euros for a single necklace. Katsuba himself actively displayed his wealth, flying to Ukraine to participate in social events.

Defence attempts and appeals

On the eve of the full-scale war, Katsuba’s defence made moves to restore his reputation. However, in May 2022, the Kyiv Court of Appeal refused to review the case. In May 2023, Katsuba filed a new appeal, but the chances of it being upheld remain minimal.