In the Poltava ESBU, it smells of corruption again: “overseer” Kulyk is trying to hold on to billion-dollar flows, — Media

In the Poltava ESBU, it smells of corruption again: “overseer” Kulyk is trying to hold on to billion-dollar flows, — Media

‘Overseer’ Kulyk and Pakhnytsa’s legacy: how the ESBU is once again attempting to ‘sort out’ corruption schemes in the Poltava region..

This is reported by the media.

Once again, tensions are rising around the Poltava unit of the ESBU. According to media reports, local schemers are attempting to maintain control over corruption flows. Yuriy Kulyk, referred to as the region’s «overseer,» is undergoing recertification. Following spring media publications, he was forced to retake the exam; however, sources claim efforts are being made to «settle» the matter in order to preserve influence over financial schemes.

After the high-profile dismissal of Oleh Pakhnytsa (order dated December 26, 2025), the Poltava territorial office of the ESBU has yet to resume full operations. Companies linked to Pakhnyts secured contracts worth nearly 2 billion UAH, while the former head ensured protection for his business group from inspections and investigations. Local entrepreneurs believe it was merely a change of signage: the «cashiers» continue operating under the old schemes. Yuriy Kulyk replaced Pakhnytsa and, according to them, inherited the previous flows and methods.

Reports from the region indicate that inspections initiated by capital law enforcement uncovered violations precisely at enterprises in Kulyk’s «feeding base.» The region’s fuel and energy sector, they believe, remains under the influence of corruption schemes established during Pakhnytsa’ tenure. While Kulyk was undergoing recertification and out of the zone of influence, the first inspection revealed serious violations, including at the already mentioned «Promservis SV.» Tens of millions of hryvnias in cash were seized from the suspects.

The Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police conducted 20 searches. Documents were seized in Kremenchuk and Svitlovodsk, and over 2 million UAH in cash was found in the private home of one suspect linked to Pakhnytsa and Kulyk, with over 18 million UAH found in another. According to investigators, these funds may have been part of daily settlements under the schemes.

Thus, information that only the signage changed at the Poltava ESBU has been confirmed. «Nothing has changed, only the surname — now Kulyk is the boss. This is not reform, but a continuation of «milking.» An overseer from Pakhnytsa, only with threats to «tear everyone apart,»» local entrepreneurs are quoted by the media. In private conversations, Kulyk allegedly claims he will soon take a leadership position and then «everyone will dance,» even those who did not «dance» under Pakhnytsa.

Earlier, the public was outraged by Pakhnytsa’ declaration: 6.5 million USD in cash, a personal Socata TB 20 GT aircraft (registered to the «Progres» agricultural firm), over 3,000 hectares of land, dozens of plots, 415 m² of commercial real estate, dozens of apartments, 15 parking spaces, luxury vehicles including a Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Multivan, as well as over 20 DAF/SCANIA/MAN trucks, agribusiness and dozens of LLCs registered to his wife, companies in Poland and Romania, and millions in accounts and loans. This is only the official declaration of an official fighting corruption. He was dismissed and replaced by Kulyk, whose declaration also looks «normal.» The situation with the fuel market and counterfeit fuel, according to sources, has remained the same.

Now, however, there is a reaction: external law enforcement inspections are underway, and Kulyk’s recertification continues. It has also become known that evidence of abuses can be sent to the email of the Recertification Commission.

Will the «overseer» from Pakhnytsa hold on? We attach a screenshot from GetContact showing how Kulyk is listed among colleagues and entrepreneurs. Head of the ESBU of Ukraine Oleksandr Tsyvinskyi must respond to prevent such personnel from compromising the Bureau of Economic Security.