Gas Company with Joe Biden’s Son On Its Board: ‘Ready to Cooperate with GPU’

Burisma – a holding controlled by ex-Ecology Minister Mykola Zlochevskyi – says it is ready to cooperate with the General Prosecutor of Ukraine (GPU) with regard to a case of alleged tax evasion, Interfax-Ukraine cites its statement.

Burisma’s press office stresses that this commitment is proved by the openness of the company and its staff during searches. "We have always been open in everything we do. Therefore, if any infringement is identified and proved in court, we guarantee to pay all tax arrears. Burisma works with dozens of partners and contractors – if an investigation establishes any wrong-doing, we will cooperate in the proceeding and bringing the respective case to the court," the statements reads.

The holding highlighted that its affiliated companies paid ₴4.1 billion ($164 million) of taxes during the past two years and invested over ₴5 billion ($20 million) in the development of the gas industry in Ukraine.

At the same time, Burisma urged the GPU and state authorities not to interfere in the operation of its affiliated gas companies, as this could reduce gas output, budget revenues, investments in the sector, and cause unemployment.

Burisma holds a number of Ukrainian gas companies and has 20 licences to develop gas deposits throughout Ukraine. Approximately 99% of its output is natural gas recovery.

Burisma owner Mykola Zlochevskyi was Ecology Minister in the Azarov Government from July-December 2010. The U.S. Vice President’s son Hunter Biden and ex-President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski are members of its Board.

Source: Ekonomichna Pravda