The criminal proceeding against Andriy Gordiychuk, which involves loans worth UAH 184.2 million and a disputed debt for rapeseed supplies, has been ongoing for about seven years. A detailed analysis of this complex legal case was presented in an article by lawyer and European Court of Human Rights legal expert Markiyan Bem. This high-profile investigation is attracting intense public and legal attention due to numerous procedural nuances and questions regarding the qualification of the investigation's actions.
Chronology of Credit Obligations and Resumption of Investigation
According to the defense team, between 2016 and 2018, the state-owned Ukrgazbank issued three loan agreements totaling UAH 184.2 million. In July 2019, the criminal proceedings regarding these loans were officially closed due to the absence of a criminal offense. However, in June 2023, the case was unexpectedly reopened, and the materials were transferred to the Dnipropetrovsk region, where they were later merged with another proceeding concerning rapeseed supply debts.
The Rapeseed Episode and Questions Regarding Suspect Status
A separate episode worth noting involves a debt of UAH 11 million owed by La Terra LLC to the T.G. Shevchenko agricultural enterprise. Instead of applying to the commercial court through civil litigation, the creditor filed a statement with the police, which prompted a criminal investigation. According to the lawyer, Gordiychuk received a notice of suspicion in this episode despite not being a founder, ultimate beneficial owner, or director of La Terra LLC.
Contradictory Data
The case files contain significant discrepancies regarding the assessment of financial liabilities and the degree of guilt of the defendants. The investigation claims that about UAH 140 million of the loans was not repaid, and labels Gordiychuk as the organizer of an asset misappropriation scheme. Meanwhile, the defense insists that he never signed any loan agreements, had no relation to two of the borrower companies, and held only a 25% stake in the third. Furthermore, according to lawyers, UAH 115.9 million has already been repaid to the bank, and collateral property worth over UAH 147.4 million has been transferred, bringing total coverage to UAH 263.3 million.
Expert Assessments and Court Trial Prospects
The defense emphasizes that the investigation may be confusing the civil liability of a guarantor with criminal responsibility for asset misappropriation. Additionally, questions are raised regarding individuals who directly signed the loan documents but remain listed as "unidentified persons" in the case files. A final assessment of the circumstances must be provided by the court, and the presumption of innocence applies until a verdict is reached.
