Spain's Luxury and Odesa's Deceit: Unveiling the Hidden Wealth of Ukrainian Military Official amid War Crisis - An Investigative Report by Ukrainska Pravda

As reported by Ukrainska Pravda in their series "Spain Battalion," Yevhen Borysov, the military draft chief of Odesa, is at the heart of a significant corruption scandal in Ukraine. The details are both intricate and damning, revealing a tapestry of malfeasance within the Ukrainian military that's alarming, especially considering the country's ongoing conflict.

Borysov's family has been discovered to own several properties and high-end vehicles in Spain, all of which are worth millions of dollars. The purchases include a villa reportedly valued at over €3 million, an office space on Marbella's main street, and several luxury cars. A 2022 Mercedes-Benz B-class electric car and a 2023 Toyota Land Cruiser SUV were among the vehicles spotted near the villa, both registered under Borysov's family.

Interestingly, Borysov's claims of ignorance towards these acquisitions are challenged by the records from the Spanish registry, which directly links these assets to his family. The villa is registered under Borysov's mother's name, and the Land Cruiser under his mother-in-law's name, suggesting an apparent attempt to divert attention from Borysov's involvement.

A further twist in the saga involves Mykhailo Nikolaiev, Borysov's driver in Odesa and an employee of the Odesa Oblast Territorial Centre for Recruitment and Social Support. Nikolaiev's brother, Ihor, was seen driving one of the cars owned by Borysov’s family in Spain. According to Ukrainian Border Guard Service records, Ihor received his passport only in 2022, during the full-scale invasion, and has left the country twice since then.

Following these revelations, Borysov was suspended from office, and the State Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into his potential abuse of power during the draft of conscripts. The timing of these purchases raises severe concerns, as it seems the Borysov family may have capitalized on the war to enrich themselves, diverting resources from a country and military in dire need.

This report by Ukrainska Pravda, which continues to investigate Ukrainian officials' alleged corruption, raises significant questions about corruption's extent within Ukraine's military structure. As the investigation into Borysov's case proceeds, there's hope it will not only bring him to justice but also discourage further corruption within the Ukrainian military.

(Source: "Spain Battalion". Ukrainska Pravda visits Odesa military draft chief and other Ukrainian millionaires, June 2023)