Portnov Andriy Volodymyrovych

First Deputy Head of Yanukovych's Presidential Administration, architect of the "dictatorial laws," and overseer of the Crimea occupation — shot in Madrid

Born in Luhansk. Doctor of Law (2009; in 2020, the National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education found plagiarism in his dissertation). People's Deputy of the 5th and 6th convocations. From 2010 to 2014 — First Deputy Head of President Yanukovych's Administration; the de facto architect of the regime's judicial and law enforcement system. Considered one of the initiators of the "dictatorial laws" of January 16, 2014. In 2023, Hromadske published audio recordings indicating his probable role as curator of the Crimea occupation in 2014; the Kyiv Court of Appeal ordered the editorial board to remove the material — the editorial board appealed the decision.

US sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, judge bribery and murder in Madrid

In 2014–2015 — under EU and Canadian sanctions for suspected embezzlement of state funds and human rights violations; Canada maintained sanctions until 2024. In December 2021, the US imposed sanctions under the Magnitsky Act: Portnov established extensive connections with the judicial system through bribery, appointed loyal judges, and bought court rulings. On June 3, 2022, Portnov fled Ukraine through Zakarpattia — presumably with assistance from Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Tatarynov. Had links with Stolitsa Group of Molchanova. On May 21, 2025, he was shot in the prestigious Posuelo de Alarcón district near Madrid. Investigators consider versions of a political contract killing and personal conflicts; the organizer has not been identified.