80 hectares of forest for a farmstead with a stable and a lake
Journalists from NGL.media established that the CEO of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," Yurii Bolokhovets, and his associates allegedly appropriated more than 80 hectares of land near a forest in the Chernihiv region. On the plot, a private farmstead was built — houses, a lake, a stable, and animal enclosures. In July 2025, the State Bureau of Investigation detained Bolokhovets on suspicion of illegal enrichment exceeding 10.4 million UAH. He spent about two months in pre-trial detention.
An apartment worth 9 million UAH—"just renting"
Among the assets exceeding lawful income: an apartment in Kyiv valued at over 9 million UAH, registered to a controlled person, and eight land plots totaling 24 hectares. Bolokhovets simply explained that he only "rents" the apartment at market price. The investigation holds a different view — the difference between assets and income exceeded 7.9 million UAH.
Suspicion revoked due to absence of audio recording in court
The Appeal Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court revoked the suspicion against Bolokhovets — not due to his innocence, but because of a procedural violation: during the hearing when the investigative judge authorized the search, no technical recording was made. The evidence was deemed inadmissible. The NABU investigation continues. Bolokhovets returned to his position. Formally — clean. In fact — under investigation.
Industry under sole control
According to investigations, Bolokhovets systematically built personal control over the financial flows of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine": dismissing disloyal leaders, placing his people in key units. Simultaneously, associates among his subordinates were charged with illegal enrichment and abuse of power. The system operated top-down.