Ukraine freezes assets of Transnistria's top oligarch for aiding Russia's defence industry

Ukraine has frozen part of the assets of Transnistria's top oligarch, Viktor Gushan, co-founder of the Sheriff holding.

Source: a journalistic investigation by Zona de Securitate, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The asset freeze was decided after prosecutors established that companies linked to Gushan provided products and services to the Russian military-industrial complex.

Journalists cite a Ukrainian court ruling indicating that companies close to Gushan were connected to Russian military production, including through the Moldavizolit factory in Transnistria, the Russian-backed breakaway region on the left bank of the Dnister.

Ukrainian investigators say the factory has played a key role in supplying materials for Russia's defence industry during the war.

The investigation also identifies key individuals involved, explains the creation of intermediary companies in Russia, and traces direct links likely leading to the Sheriff holding.

Ukraine continues the investigation, and measures to freeze assets remain in force throughout the process.

The Sheriff holding has achieved a near-monopoly in Transnistria, controlling trade, the oil market, telecommunications and mass media. The company owns the mobile operator Interdnestrcom, the Tiraspol wine and brandy factory, AgroPromBank, the Tirotex textile factory, TSB TV channel, casinos, a football club, a sports complex, multiple car dealerships and a network of gas stations.

Gushan's wealth is estimated at around US$2 billion.

Background:

• At the end of November, Ukraine synchronised its anti-Russian sanctions with the United States, imposing restrictions on Rosneft and its enterprises, as well as companies within the Lukoil Group.
• In 2020, the investigative journalism project Skhemy investigated that Gushan was buying elite real estate and land plots in Ukraine and holding Ukrainian citizenship.

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