Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Evgeny Chernyak, the founder of Ukraine-based alcohol holding Global Spirits, for alleged terrorism financing. The Investigative Committee of Russia made the announcement on its official website on Monday. According to the notice, Chernyak and other individuals conspired to finance terrorism between February and April 2022. They allegedly transferred over 500 million rubles ($5.6 million) to representatives of the Ukrainian armed forces to carry out terrorist activities in Russia.
Chernyak is also accused of purchasing and delivering combat supplies worth over 90 million rubles ($1 million) to the Ukrainian armed forces last month. As a result, he has been placed on a wanted list, and investigators are currently working to establish his whereabouts. In connection with the investigation, Russian authorities conducted searches at several residential and warehouse premises and offices used by Chernyak in Moscow.
Two alleged accomplices of Chernyak have been detained on charges of bribery. Additionally, the Russian authorities are considering placing the assets of the companies belonging to Chernyak’s holding in Russia under arrest.
Evgeny Chernyak is the founder and supervisory board chairman of Global Spirits, which owns popular vodka brand Khortytsa. In 2021, Forbes ranked Chernyak as the 19th richest Ukrainian, with an estimated fortune of $470 million.
In April 2022, following the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, ownership of Russian distilleries that bottle Khortytsa and other brands from Global Spirits’ portfolio, as well as their distributor in Russia, TC Megapolis, changed. However, sources claim that this change is merely superficial, and Chernyak still maintains unofficial control over the ventures. Prior to the conflict in 2021, Khortytsa held a 5.3% share of the Russian vodka market, making it the market leader.
The investigation into Chernyak’s alleged involvement in terrorism financing comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict has had far-reaching economic implications, impacting various industries, including alcohol production and distribution.
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(Source: RT)
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