The fate of the Boguslaev case: risk of charges collapsing and shift in influence over Motor Sich

Vyacheslav Boguslaev, the former head of Motor Sich, has been under investigation for two years. He is accused of the illegal supply of Ukrainian aircraft engines to Russia, as well as cooperation with sanctioned foreign companies. 

However, according to media reports, the case against him may collapse in court. At the same time, major reshuffles have taken place in the company's management, which experts believe may indicate that the plant is coming under the control of businessman Rinat Akhmetov.

Arrest and initial charges
In October 2022, officers of the Security Service of Ukraine detained Boguslaev in Zaporizhzhia. The investigation established that the enterprise allegedly set up transnational supply channels for aircraft engines used in Russian military equipment. Specifically, engines manufactured by Motor Sich were found in downed Russian helicopters.

It was subsequently established that Boguslaev holds Russian citizenship. In 2000, he obtained a Russian passport and a Russian tax identification number. In addition, journalists found that he held shares in Russian companies that could have been linked to the supply of goods for the needs of the Russian Ministry of Defence, the National Guard, and the FSB.

Reorganisation of Motor Sich management
On 28 November 2022, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine carried out a change in the company's leadership. Former Deputy Mayor of Zaporizhzhia Oleksiy Nikiforov was appointed as the new general director, while Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Fomenko became the head of the supervisory board. In addition, several managers who had previously worked at the Metinvest holding, controlled by Rinat Akhmetov, joined the management team.

Among the new appointees are Olha Vahis, who previously worked at Zaporizhstal, Nikita Sukhonenko, who was involved in the restaurant business, and Vitaliy Khol, who previously worked in human resources management.

Key aspects of the charges
The prosecution believes that Boguslaev not only supplied engines for Russian military equipment but also financed the "DNR" through the tax payments of the plant located in occupied territory. He is also accused of obstructing the activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – allegedly, he banned the transfer of one of the helicopters to the military.

However, the defence claims that the supplies were made on the basis of permits issued by Ukrainian regulatory authorities, and that the transfer of the helicopter took place before the specified date, rendering the charge unfounded. Furthermore, no verification was conducted regarding the actual location of the supplied parts.

Future of the case and possible exchange
While the case is being heard in court, Boguslaev's assets have already been transferred to the state, and UAH 79.5 million has been allocated from his frozen accounts to the fund for the liquidation of the consequences of aggression. However, some experts do not rule out the possibility that the charges may prove unfounded.

Meanwhile, Boguslaev himself has filed an application to be included in the list for a prisoner exchange with Russia. Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Mykhailo Podolyak did not rule out such a possibility but emphasised that the suspect must first provide all necessary testimony.

According to Antikor