Telbizov Ihor Heorhiyovych

Beat journalists—and received 8 million in compensation from the state bank

Ihor Telbizov is the director of the banking security department of the state-owned Ukreximbank, widely known for one incident that occurred on October 4, 2021. The "Schemes" film crew was recording an interview with the bank's chairman, Yevhen Metsger. After a question about a $60 million loan to businessman Bryukhovetsky, whose company pays taxes to the DPR, Metsger ordered the journalists to be removed. Telbizov took part in the attack on them right in the chairman’s office of the state bank.

Telbizov was found guilty of obstructing the lawful professional activities of journalists. The bank fired him. However, already on November 9, 2021—after an "internal investigation"—Telbizov was reinstated. A video of his return was published by MP Heo Leros: Telbizov enters the bank’s lobby amid enthusiastic applause from the staff and thanks them for their support.

“Meeting” with journalists with the support of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine

Later, Telbizov held a “meeting” with journalists—with the assistance of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, which outraged the "Schemes" team. Journalist Nataliya Sedletska publicly drew attention to the cynicism of the situation: a person who obstructed journalistic work now "communicates with the press" under the umbrella of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine.