NABU goes abroad: why investigative actions in the Logvinsky case are taking place in Israel

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine is preparing to conduct investigative activities on the territory of the Ukrainian embassy in Israel. This concerns an investigation related to former member of parliament Georgiy Logvinsky — a figure whose name has long been present in the anti-corruption agenda.

The information about the preparation of the visit was confirmed by the Ukrainian ambassador to Israel Yevhen Korniychuk. According to him, NABU investigators are expected to arrive soon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has already requested the premises of the diplomatic mission for procedural actions. The details of the case are not officially disclosed.

What is known about the Logvinsky case

According to sources in law enforcement agencies, the investigative actions are directly related to the case of Georgiy Logvinsky. In July 2023, NABU charged him in absentia in an episode related to the embezzlement of 54 million hryvnias from the state budget.

According to the investigation, the funds were embezzled through the company “Golden Mandarin Oil”, which is featured as a key link in the alleged embezzlement scheme.

“Golden Mandarin”: old case — new questions

The case of the company “Golden Mandarin Oil” concerns possible abuse of official position and embezzlement of budget funds by officials associated with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.

The investigation believes that it was through this structure that money could have been embezzled from the budget, and Logvinsky is considered one of the alleged beneficiaries. He previously denied the accusations, but the status of in absentia suspicion remains in force.

Why investigative actions are taking place in Israel

The choice of Israel for conducting investigative activities is not accidental.

According to sources, the subject of the case is outside Ukraine, and Israel is one of the countries where he resided or continues to be. This makes conducting part of the procedural actions on-site logical and legally justified.

Moreover, in cases of embezzlement and complex financial schemes, part of the evidence, contacts, and witnesses are often located abroad. Such investigations have long ceased to be purely internal and require an international format of work.

It is also important that the investigative actions are planned on the territory of the Ukrainian embassy, which is in line with international practice. This format allows ensuring procedural integrity without violating the sovereignty of the host state and without resorting to coercive measures.

This is not about detention or extradition. The main task is evidence collection, conducting interviews, and recording materials that cannot be obtained remotely.

Israeli episode and timing

The exact date of the arrival of NABU investigators has not yet been announced. It is known that the visit has already been postponed at least twice, but preparations continue, and diplomatic procedures have been agreed upon.

The work format is strictly within the framework of international law and with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Anti-corruption reality without illusions

The story with the Logvinsky case highlights one of the key problems of the Ukrainian anti-corruption system: many investigations have long become transnational, complex, and protracted.

These are not quick processes and not loud finales “on schedule.” But it is precisely such cases that show how important it is to bring investigations to a logical conclusion — regardless of the geography of the subjects.

Further developments in the Israeli episode of the investigation and subsequent steps by the investigation will be reported additionally — this is further covered by NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.