The Interior Ministry of Ukraine upon the application of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has put ex-owner of VAB Bank Oleh Bakhmatiuk on a wanted list, although Bakhmatiuk told an Interfax-Ukraine reporter himself that he is on a business trip abroad and is ready to talk to investigators through his lawyers or a video call.
“This is another manipulation. Our international lawyers were surprised by such a position. I have lawyers and I have my rights as a citizen of Ukraine. I am ready to talk to investigators, provide documents. We want to have an understanding of the process and constructive dialogue,” the businessman said in a phone conversation with Interfax-Ukraine on Nov. 22.
He stressed that law enforcers have not presented him with a suspicion note or a summons.
“One cannot present a suspicion note by simply putting it on a pole,” Bakhmatiuk said to recall his position regarding the NABU’s statement on November 13 saying that the businessman was notified in absentia of suspicion within the VAB Bank case.
Bakhmatiuk said that his lawyers would appeal against the actions of law enforcers in court, in particular in an international court.
He emphasized that the case on the issue of a stabilization loan to VAB Bank was far-fetched. Bakhmatiuk added that statements, made in particular by international partners, in support of former First Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Oleksandr Pysaruk to deny a collusion on the issue of the stabilization loan also prove that the businessman is innocent.
Bakhmatiuk expressed hope that the recently opened High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine would make a fair decision.
He also emphasized that the situation has a negative impact on his large agricultural holdings UkrLandFarming and Avangard and hinders negotiations with investors on financial for repayment of debts to banks.
