NABU recordings: 'Khimprom' leader may have offered bribes to ministers and negotiated with Arakhamia

New materials released as part of the investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) contain information about possible attempts by the leadership of the 'Khimprom' drug cartel to influence state bodies. Specifically, they discuss bribes for Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Health Minister Viktor Lyashko, as well as contacts with David Arakhamia, head of the 'Servant of the People' faction. Investigative journalist Yuriy Nikolov made this statement.

Attempts to bypass the ban on cannabis blends

According to Nikolov, last winter the government decided to ban certain cannabis blends that were sold through the U420 store network. Following this, representatives of 'Khimprom' began modifying the chemical composition of their products so that the new variants would not fall under the scope of current restrictions.

In such a situation, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Interior were to monitor changes in formulas and accordingly update the list of banned substances. It was in the cartel's interest for the process of expert assessments and amendments to take as long as possible. This provided an opportunity to continue selling existing stock on hand.

Financial offers to ministers

The journalist reported that the leader of 'Khimprom', known by the nickname 'Mexican', through an intermediary referred to as 'Criminal' and linked to Vasyl Maliuk, passed on a bribe offer to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The amount of the offer was 500,000 dollars.

Nikolov notes that the intermediaries began to bargain, demanding half of the drug cartel's monthly income, which at that time, according to them, amounted to 3 million dollars. 'Mexican' rejected such terms, offering a payment deferral and the payment of one-third of the income, explaining this by the need to settle accounts with other representatives of law enforcement agencies. Part of the funds, as intended by the participants of the negotiations, could also be directed to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko.

Mentions of Arakhamia and threats to a journalist

Separately, the recordings feature a discussion of a possible physical attack on journalist Denys Bigus. This is linked to his investigative report on the activities of the drug cartel.

Also, according to Nikolov's information, the intermediary linked to Vasyl Maliuk attempted to arrange a meeting with David Arakhamia. The purpose of the contact was allegedly to be the discussion of ways to legalise narcotic substances.

The journalist adds that the negotiations eventually ceased. He links this, among other things, to changes in the leadership of the Ministry of Interior.

Reaction to the released materials

Nikolov stated that after the publication of the recordings, Poklad had already dismissed two SBU employees who were mentioned in the materials. At the same time, the journalist raised the issue of possible liability for David Arakhamia and the reaction of President Volodymyr Zelensky to mentions of his ally.

It is worth noting that the information provided relates to the journalist's claims about the content of the recordings. The very fact of discussing bribes or illegal actions is not proof of their transfer or commission, and the persons mentioned cannot be considered guilty without a corresponding court decision.