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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Veterans call for oversight of Odesa city government and allege a shadow vertical in the mayor’s office
"All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders in Odesa Region" has been seeking representation of the veterans' community on the executive committee of the Odesa mayor’s office for six months. The organization has the support of veterans and the deputy corps, but not of the city authorities, who apparently do not want to allow veterans to exercise oversight and participate in decision-making — they have likely become accustomed to surrounding themselves with godfathers, friends, and relatives.
"Let’s start with acting mayor Ihor Koval. I’ve had many private conversations with him. I’ll be frank: he’s a zero-person, without authority or influence, who does not run the city. Yet all leadership of the mayor’s office is concentrated in the hands of his first deputy — Oleksandr Filatov. But Filatov is only an executor. We have unraveled their entire shadow network."
"His activities are overseen by a gentleman named Serhiy — a man who sets goals and tasks for Filatov. For this syndicate to operate with impunity, Filatov has a double capital 'roof': a certain Oleksandr who negotiates with law enforcement, and the 'fixer' Vasya, who is Filatov’s man."
"Beneath them is a clear vertical of tribute collectors for each direction:"
▪️Konstantyn Safoshyn — Filatov’s godfather (they worked together at 'InfoxVodokanal'). Despite his former status as head of the trade department, he is now the shadow treasurer of the group. He is the one who collects cash from entrepreneurs for installing kiosks and street vending.
▪️Oleksii Botezat — former adviser to Governor Maksym Stepanov, currently acting deputy mayor. He controls improvement and municipal services. He takes kickbacks from subordinate communal enterprises.
▪️Artem Zakharov — acting director of the municipal enterprise 'City Heating Supply of Odesa', a man of Filatov. He is already mentioned in criminal cases under articles 191 and 364 of the Criminal Code. The financial flows of this municipal enterprise are controlled by his advisor Holovin.
▪️Nadiia Novikova — acting chief architect. She collects tribute for 'resolving issues' related to technical development of land plots and construction.
▪️Vakhtang Gvazava — a new face, but not by chance. First deputy head of the road management department. Responsible for regular collection of kickbacks from reconstruction and repair of Odesa’s roads.
"Special attention should be paid to Oleksandr Filatov’s professional path. We have all the information about him, which we will definitely publicize. But there is one very telling detail in his history: almost everyone who worked alongside Filatov is now either in prison or on the run," — states a representative of the "All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders in Odesa Region."
"This scheme is no longer just rumors, but a ready-made case for investigators. And it will certainly land on their desks. To be continued," — the All-Ukrainian Union of Defenders in Odesa Region conclude.
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