Interfax-Ukraine
News about recent political developments in Ukraine, key Ukrainian economic news and major current events in the CIS and the rest of the world.
SBU and BES continue searches at RGC enterprises on Monday.
The Bureau of Economic Security (BES) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) continued searches at RGC enterprises on Monday, the press service of the group reported.
According to it, the reason for the searches was a criminal case initiated by the SBU on the purchase of natural gas for technological needs in the period from 2016 to 2022.
"Investigative measures are being taken to obtain illegal access to intellectual property, software products and solutions in the field of energy efficiency, metrology and gas distribution created by RGC," the statement said.
The group called on the authorities to engage in dialogue "in a civilized way to solve problems that have been accumulating in the gas distribution industry for years."
"These problems can only be solved by joint efforts and professional teams that have demonstrated their level of knowledge, skills, experience and patriotism, from the first days of the war, firmly maintaining the efficiency of gas distribution systems and restoring them after the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories," the report says.
As reported, on March 17, 2023, the SBU and the BES conducted large-scale searches in a number of city and regional gas companies, announcing the disclosure and liquidation of a large-scale scheme for the appropriation of natural gas by NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy from the gas transmission system.
According to the SBU, the top management of 16 regional gas enterprises in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Volyn, Zakarpattia, Sumy, Rivne, Khmelnytsky, Chernihiv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions were involved in organizing the fraud.
To establish all the circumstances of the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice, a pre-trial investigation is underway under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 5 of Article 191 (appropriation, embezzlement of property or possession of it by abuse of official position) and Part 3 of Article 212 (evasion of paying taxes, fees, mandatory payments).
At the end of May 2022, at the request of the State Bureau of Investigation, the court transferred the arrested private corporate rights to 26 regional and city gas distribution system operators to the management of ARMA.
In May 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine transferred to the management of the enterprise of Naftogaz Group - Chornomornaftogaz - the previously seized assets of gas distribution system operators (regional gas companies), in particular, shares in Kharkivgaz and Dniprogaz. In February 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers agreed on the proposal of ARMA to transfer a number of seized assets to the management of Chornomornaftogaz, but did not publish their list.
On September 2, 2022, Naftogaz Ukrainy registered Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC (Gas Networks), the main activity of which is the distribution of gas through local pipelines.
Germany announces new package of military assistance to Ukraine.
Germany will transfer another package of military assistance to Ukraine, the press service of the German government reports.
Shmyhal: I can say we definitely have progress regarding lifting of blockade on border with Poland.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal says that Ukraine and Poland have made progress on lifting the blockade on the border.
Shmyhal on results of Ukrainian-Polish govt consultations: We understand how we will move.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expects that intergovernmental consultations with Poland will help resolve problematic issues.
Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Chinese-American relations in context of new world order'.
On Thursday, April 4, at 10.30, the press centre of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled "Chinese-American relations in context of the new world order." Participants: political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; politi...
Zelenskyy introduces new head of Foreign Intelligence Service Oleh Ivaschenko.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced the new head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Oleh Ivaschenko, to the staff of the Foreign Intelligence Service. The decree on his appointment was issued on Tuesday.
Supreme Court hearing case on abortion pill access
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a case that could decide if access to the abortion pill mifepristone should be limited. CBS News' Jan Crawford and Shawna Mizelle have more. CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 anchored s...
Baltimore bridge collapse could have wide-reaching supply chain ramifications.
The collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge will likely impact the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for East Coast shipping. CBS News Philadelphia reporter Wakisha Bailey has more. CBS News Streaming Network is the premier 24/7 anchored str...
Officials say no 'credible information' that terror played role in major Baltimore bridge collapse.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore was accompanied by local and federal officials to give an update on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Baltimore harbor after a massive cargo ship struck the crossing. Read more: ––– Subscribe to ABC Ne...
NYPD officer shot dead, suspects have at least 16 prior arrests.
Fox News' Bryan Llenas reports the latest from New York City on the death of Officer Jonathan Diller, 31. #FoxNews Subscribe to Fox News! Watch more Fox News Video: Watch Fox News Channel Live: FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing ...
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs restrictive social media bill
The bill bans social media accounts for children under 14, and requires parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds. Subscribe to ABC News on YouTube: Watch 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events on ABC News Live: Watch full episodes of W...
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich's detention in Russia nears 1 year mark.
This week marks one year since Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia. On Tuesday, a Russian court extended Gershkovich's time behind bars to at least June. "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl, who has been report...