The former head of the Gas Transmission Operator has been charged with suspicion and has fled the country.

The former CEO of the "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine" has been charged with suspicion. The individual is currently abroad.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the press service of the Kyiv police.

According to sources from RBK-Ukraine, Sergiy Makohon has received a suspicion. He led the "GTS Operator" from its establishment in 2019 until September 2022.

Investigators revealed that in 2021, the monopolistic company, which transports natural gas to consumers in Ukraine and EU countries, under the official's leadership, earned a net profit of 20 billion hryvnias. From this amount, 90% was supposed to be paid to the state budget as dividends.

Law enforcement discovered that the former head of the "GTS Operator" decided not to distribute the income and did not allocate funds to the budget. The state incurred material damage exceeding 18 billion hryvnias.

In September 2022, the supervisory board of the "GTS Operator" dismissed the violator due to unsatisfactory performance of the strategic enterprise. The police noted that he provided false information in an order regarding his business trip to Vienna and left Ukraine.

The suspect has been charged in absentia under Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (improper performance of official duties by a public official due to a dishonest attitude towards them, resulting in severe consequences for the legally protected state interests) and under Part 1 of Article 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (the creation and issuance of knowingly false official documents by a public official, and the introduction of knowingly false information into official documents).

The suspect faces up to five years in prison.

Photo: the former head of the "GTS Operator" has received a suspicion (kyiv.npu.gov.ua)

Recall that on September 19, 2022, Sergiy Makohon was dismissed from the position of CEO of the "Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine". After that, Pavel Yuzef Stanchak took over the company.

In 2023, Dmitriy Lippa was appointed as the CEO of the "GTS Operator", but after the heating season ends, he will leave the position.