Curious correspondence found in Holik's phone

A correspondence with Denis Ostrovsky, the former owner of the construction company "SK Stroynvest", was found in the phone of Yuri Holik, consultant for the "Big Construction" programme and former adviser to the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration. 

Over the past few years, this company has received more than 4 billion hryvnias from the state for the execution of various contracts, including projects under the "Big Construction" programme.

Journalists established that the correspondence contained discussions regarding the status of specific facilities and indicated upcoming state subventions. This provided grounds to assume that "Stroynvest" was receiving large contracts not by chance, but due to its proximity to officials.

"Big Construction" and personal connections

Holik's name had previously featured in journalistic investigations. In 2022, it emerged that Yana Khlyanta, a fitness trainer and close friend of Valentyn Reznichenko, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, was a co-owner of one of the companies participating in the "Big Construction" programme. Following this, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) took up the case and conducted a series of searches, including one at Holik's residence. In 2023, two mobile phones were seized from him, the contents of which sparked a new scandal.

Multi-billion contracts and patronage

In the correspondence with Denis Ostrovsky found in Holik's phone, issues regarding the receipt of state subventions were discussed. One of the messages sent to Ostrovsky contained the phrase: «Жду сегодня цифру. Не дашь сегодня – следующая субвенция в апреле. Дашь сегодня – в ноябре заберешь деньги» ("I am waiting for the figure today. If you don't give it today – the next subvention is in April. If you give it today – you will take the money in November").

Notably, shortly after this message, "Stroynvest" indeed won the tender for the reconstruction of the House of Culture in Kaniv. Cheaper offers from other companies were rejected, and the contract went specifically to "Stroynvest".

Despite scandals and criminal proceedings related to the possible misappropriation of budget funds, the company continued to receive large state contracts.

From "Big Construction" to the restoration of destroyed facilities

After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the "Big Construction" project lost its relevance. However, according to journalists, Yuri Holik switched to lobbying for contracts for the restoration of destroyed infrastructure.

In 2023, "Stroynvest" received contracts for restoration works in Zaporizhzhia and Borodyanka. Subsequently, journalists discovered inflated estimates for these projects, which once again drew attention to the company's activities.

The Austrian trail

Journalists also found out that Denis Ostrovsky, in parallel with his work in Ukraine, registered the company ODM BAU & Investition in Austria. Its legal support is provided by local lawyer Serhiy Baharev, who confirmed that Ostrovsky is his client. Interestingly, Baharev also oversaw another Austrian company — DEVERTE HOLDING GMBH, which was linked to the "Creative States" coworking network. In this network, Yuri Holik is one of the co-owners.

Reaction of the parties involved

Denis Ostrovsky declined to comment. Yuri Holik stated that he does not remember such a correspondence, emphasising that he communicates with many people and may give advice on various projects. He also noted that he does not receive any material benefit from this.