Shadow billions of defence: how the financial network of Skorokhod and Mindich withdraws funds through state tenders

Ihor Skorokhod, known in narrow circles as the godfather of the former head of the State Fiscal Service under Yanukovych, used these connections to participate in large-scale financial operations. Thanks to contacts with Mindich’s and Tsukerman’s structures, he and his partners created a network of currency exchange offices and transit companies through which he organized systematic currency conversion and cashing. Skorokhod personally manages both the financial flows and key decisions within this scheme.

Project financing came from three sources. The first — contributions to the share fund through front persons from fictitious companies. The second — cash from a controlled “laundry” that handled funds from corruption schemes, including at SE “Energoatom.” The third — cash of undetermined origin deposited without any supporting documents.

From May to September 2025 alone, tens of millions of dollars passed through fictitious companies controlled by Skorokhod. Scheme participants used “twists,” non-commodity transactions, and transit through individual entrepreneurs. Payments were disguised as ordinary business activity, particularly VAT-free wholesale trade. The evidence base includes payment documents, crypto transactions, courier testimonies, and audio recordings.

A separate line of activity involves operations with assets linked to the “Unigran” group and Russian citizen Naumets. Also involved in the scheme are Shapran and Kiper, who participated in the re-registration of property. This concerns the withdrawal of quarries from sanctions and their subsequent transfer to new owners. Skorokhod ensured full control over both the financial and legal components of the process.

The cynicism is heightened by the fact that the schemes are closely integrated with the state sector. One of the key elements is the company “Ukr Armo Tech,” through which cashing and fund withdrawal were carried out. The firm cooperates with the Ministry of Defence and won tenders from the State Emergency Service for demining equipment. The contracts were awarded in summer and autumn with the assistance of Yaroslav Ostapenko, who has ties to the head of the Antimonopoly Committee Kyrylenko.

While Mindich remains in Israel and avoids responsibility, other participants in the scheme are trying to “close” issues with law enforcement through agreements and financial “kickbacks.” Against this backdrop, Skorokhod is not slowing down — on the contrary, he is actively expanding his network of conversion centers and increasing the volume of “twists.” His infrastructure continues to seamlessly service multi-million flows. Among the clients remain influential officials and businessmen who continue to use his services for cashing and withdrawing funds.