From pre-trial detention to state projects: the family of embezzler Oleksandr Katsuba moved stolen millions offshore and stayed in business

The 2011–2013 scheme to purchase drilling rigs for "Chornomornaftogaz" became one of the most infamous corruption cases in Ukraine’s energy sector. The state overpaid at least $150 million through offshore firms and intermediaries.

At the center of the scandal were the Katsuba brothers, Serhiy and Oleksandr, who at the time wielded significant influence over Naftogaz’s financial operations, using companies under their control. They were closely linked to the inner circles of Yuriy Boyko and Dmytro Firtash.

Oleksandr Katsuba, who served as Deputy Chairman of Naftogaz, was responsible for managing the finances of the deals and channeling funds. In 2017, he admitted guilt, struck a deal with investigators, spent 8 months in pre-trial detention, and was released under the "Savchenko law." Due to the severity of the offense, his conviction was not expunged.

After a fictitious divorce from his wife, Tetyana Huzenko, key assets were re-registered in her name. According to the Pandora Papers, through the offshore GIL Gold Investment LTD, the family retained control over a number of companies: "Nadra-Geoinvest," "Stratum Ukraine," "AlfaGaz," and "I.B.K. Development."

Despite the criminal past, companies associated with the Katsuba family still participate in state projects, including involvement in the reconstruction of Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. The family also extracts minerals in the border areas of the Kharkiv region through the Novoselivskyi Mining and Processing Plant.