NABU expands Forrest Gump suspect list
NABU / Facebook
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)
has announced new charges in its “Operation Forrest Gump” money laundering
probe.
According to NABU’s statement released on Aug. 28, an influential businessman and former member of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council was added to the list of suspected participants in the corruption scheme.
The Anti-Corruption Action Center watchdog later said the businessman is likely Vasyl Astion, a former member of the Dnipropetrovsk regional council who has been mentioned repeatedly in phone taps released by the NABU.
According to investigators, senior members of the criminal group recruited Astion to use his informal connections and influence in the courts. In particular, he allegedly helped secure rulings from commercial court judges in favor of companies and individuals linked to the organization.
With the Astion’s involvement, investigators say, two companies were seized in a corporate raiding scheme. The combined value of their assets was UAH248 million ($5.6 million).
Investigators also charged the businessman with money laundering.
The funds were ultimately used to post bail for former energy minister Herman Halushchenko.
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