Ukraine’s SBU Security Service searched the Kyiv and Lviv offices of public joint-stock company Concern Galnaftogaz (OKKO Group) on Aug. 21. Galnaftogaz is one of Ukraine’s largest operators on the oil and gas market. Several sources informed the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency about the raids, which the SBU has confirmed.
The SBU’s press service said, ‘The raids were carried out in Kyiv and Lviv by court order relating to a criminal case under Article 110-2 (financial actions carried out with the aim of forcible change of power or overthrow of the constitutional order or seizure of state power, changing of borders of the territory or state border of Ukraine).’ The statement added that they had not served notices of suspicions to any individuals.
Interfax-Ukraine learned that Galnaftogaz plans to make its position about the searches known late on Aug. 22.
OKKO Group is a Ukrainian holding company that retails its goods and services through the OKKO gas station chain. The OKKO Group includes more than 10 businesses working in the spheres of production, trade, construction, insurance, service sector and others.
Stockholders and institutional investors in the company include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Goldman Sachs, Horizon Capital, Renaissance Capital, Genesis Asset Managers, and LLP. It is also the recipient of a $80 million dollar loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
