What happened
On January 22, the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) imposed a preventive measure on a trusted associate of the former Deputy Head of the Office of the President — Andriy Vasyliev. The court left detention as an option with the alternative of a 30 million UAH bail, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) reported. The information was also published by the LIGA.net portal, citing sources in law enforcement agencies.
Briefly about the case
According to the investigation, the case concerns the possible misappropriation of funds paid under the so‑called "green" tariff. NABU detectives have notified nine people of suspicion, among them — former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Rostyslav Shurma, his trusted associate Andriy Vasyliev and Shurma’s brother Oleh, as well as heads of controlled companies and the former commercial director of Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo.
"Apply to the suspect a preventive measure in the form of detention with the alternative of bail of 30 million UAH."
— Decision of the High Anti-Corruption Court, January 22, 2026
How the scheme operated — investigative findings
According to NABU, in 2019–2020 the group took control of solar power plants with a total capacity of about 60 MW in the Vasylivka district of Zaporizhzhia region and concluded contracts with the state enterprise "Guaranteed Buyer" for the sale of electricity under the "green" tariff.
After Russia's full-scale invasion, these territories fell under occupation. In the summer of 2022 the plants lost connection to Ukraine's power system due to damage to overhead power lines; a significant portion of the output was de facto consumed by an industrial enterprise under the control of the occupiers. Despite this, investigators assert that the group submitted false data to the "Guaranteed Buyer" about generation volumes and the technical readiness of the plants.
The state enterprise allegedly paid 141.3 million UAH for electricity that in fact did not enter Ukraine’s power system; the funds received, the investigation alleges, were laundered through a network of related companies for the benefit of the scheme’s organizer, his brother and family members.
Who is involved and their status
The main figures are former Deputy Head of the Office of the President Rostyslav Shurma (who oversaw the economic block) and his trusted associate Andriy Vasyliev, the current head of JSC «Helios». In 2021 Shurma headed the company, then Kseniia Shurma was at its helm, and later Vasyliev took the position. Other figures include commercial directors and owners of the network of companies.
In 2024 the president dismissed Shurma from his post; in December 2025 his powers as a member of Naftogaz’s supervisory board were terminated early. According to the latest information, the former official is in Germany (sources: SAP, NABU, LIGA.net).
Why this matters
This case is not only a criminal proceeding against specific individuals. It touches on two public values: first, the protection of state funds during wartime; and second, trust in the renewable energy market, which is now relied upon for both energy transition and investment expectations.
Analysts and law enforcement note that during war the system of preferential payments and compensations is especially vulnerable to abuse — potential losses in the hundreds of millions of hryvnias undermine both budgetary capacity and the sector’s investment attractiveness.
What’s next
VAKS left the option of bail in place — this means upcoming court decisions and the course of the investigation will determine whether the state can recover the paid sums and hold all those involved accountable. One should expect motions to seize assets and checks of the money‑laundering chains.
Law enforcement agencies need to understand not only the mechanics of this particular scheme but also systemic weaknesses in payments under the "green" tariff — in order to protect the market’s reputation and resources that are crucial today for the country’s recovery. Now it is up to the investigation: whether it will be possible to recover 141.3 million UAH and stop similar practices is a key question for the state and every taxpayer.
Sources: Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, NABU, VAKS decision, LIGA.net.
