The National anti-corruption bureau of Ukraine (NABU) conducted a search in the apartment of the founder of the holding UFuture Vasily Khmelnitsky, the businessman himself said in the social network “Facebook”.
“Already in the office found out that I have “guests” from the NABU at home. Days of exemplary searches after nights of rocket attacks for Ukrainian businessmen have become a tradition. Unfortunately. This visit of law enforcement agencies to me concerns a case that has been under investigation for more than four years, and all these years I am in Kyiv, I am not hiding from anyone, and investigative experiments and interrogations have already been conducted more than once,” Khmelnitsky wrote.
The businessman specified that the case concerns a plot of land, which he and his partner bought at an open auction for the construction of a new modern school. Paid the full price (18.9 million UAH), received the rights of the owner.
“For us, 100% (it – IF) is a social project, not a business. It is access to quality school education that paves the way for real transformations and reforms in Ukraine in the long term. In the short term – Kiev through private investment gets the necessary infrastructure for the comfortable life of citizens, and the inhabitants of the residential complex – an additional advantage, “- wrote Khmelnitsky.
At the same time, the businessman stressed that the legality of the purchase of the land plot at the auction and the conclusion of the sale agreement is confirmed by the court.
“But the NABU believes that the price is too low”, – added Khmelnitsky.
According to him, in accordance with the urban planning documentation at this address can not be placed commercial or residential real estate – this explains the price of the contract.
As clarified to the agency “Interfax-Ukraine” in the press service of Khmelnitsky, in July 2018 state enterprise “MIA “Inform-Resources” held an open auction for the sale of real estate belonging to him at Kiev, Military passage, 8. The sale price was determined by an independent appraiser engaged by the seller and agreed by the State Property Fund of Ukraine. The plot was purchased by the company from the group – “Persestroy” LLC – for the construction of the second building of the innovative educational project of Novopechersk school.
“The legality of the purchase and the contract of sale was confirmed by the court. Yes, the tax service tried to invalidate the contract of sale, but the Commercial Court of Kyiv dismissed the claim. The decision was upheld by the court of appeal and is still in force. The Supreme Court refused to open proceedings on the tax appeal. NABU participated in the trial as a third party on the side of the plaintiff,” the press service of Khmelnytskyy reported.
It added that to implement the project of expanding the school, in addition to the acquisition of real estate, resources have already been spent on the development of several business models, the creation of a separate project team. Additionally hired teachers and methodologists, conducted an audit of the school, developed pre-project documentation.
“In addition, the management has taken steps to obtain a loan from the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank,” the press service noted.
The company added that information became known from open sources that the funds paid by Persevstroy LLC for the real estate had been embezzled, but the bona fide buyer had nothing to do with these actions.
As Khmelnitsky notes, it is necessary to stop the mass practice of “mask show” and intimidation of business in conditions of war. “All remaining entrepreneurs in the country, believe me, are 100% patriotic and ready for a civilized dialogue. In the last few months alone I have heard about dozens of such cases with show off searches of respected businessmen. Both the Ukrainian society and foreign investors are observing this negative trend. There is a sincere hope that the authorities are listening to the voice of business because it is only possible to defeat the external enemy and develop Ukraine’s economy by joining forces,” he believes.
Khmelnitsky assured that he is not going anywhere and is ready to answer all questions.
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