Lithuania extradited to Ukraine the former chairman of the board of the State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine (SFGCU) Petro Vovchuk, who is suspected of involvement in embezzlement of USD 60 million of state funds.
Ukrainian News Agency was informed about this by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SACPO).
He was extradited from Lithuania on March 13.
The investigation established that in July-October 2014, officials of the state grain corporation, including the chairman of the board Vovchuk, together with a representative of an international grain trader, organized the conclusion and execution of foreign economic contracts for the sale of grain products of PJSC SFGCU at reduced prices to controlled enterprises.
The grain belonging to the state company was delivered to Saudi Arabia through a number of enterprises on postpaid terms.
However, the money for the delivered grain was never paid.
As a result, the state corporation suffered losses in the amount of more than USD 60 million.
The former chairman of the board, Vovchuk, was indicted for committing the crimes provided for in Part 3 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 364, Part 3 of Article 28, Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Vovchuk was wanted since March 2017.
After his detention in Lithuania on October 31, 2019, Vovchuk tried to avoid responsibility, in particular, he wanted to get asylum, but he was refused.
After the decision on extradition, the suspect appealed against it allegedly because of the danger caused by the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation.
Despite this, after 4 years of court hearings, Vovchuk was extradited to Ukraine.
Proceedings regarding the adviser to the chairman of the board of PJSC SFGCU and the representative of the international grain trader are currently being considered in court.
Two more persons involved in the case entered into an agreement with the investigation and paid the damages they caused in the amount of USD 60,000.
In addition, another suspect in the case is wanted.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on October 31, 2019, law enforcement officers detained Vovchuk, the ex-head of the SFGCU in Lithuania.
Who we are: About us, Contacts. How we write news and our principles: Editorial code. We did our best. If you found this valuable – please support us.
To request a correction, please send an email.