The port of Ust-Dunaysk reports a raider attack by Nikolai Tishchenko
The port of Ust-Dunaysk may be privatized in the interest of a stevedoring company linked to the people's deputy Nikolai Tishchenko. This was stated by Yuriy Martyniuk, the director of the State Enterprise “MTP Ust-Dunaysk”, to delo.ua, Ukrrudprom reported.
Yury Martynyuk alleges that the ZTK company, which handles Tishchenko’s cargo through their port, is not paying the state. According to Martynyuk, the ZTK company seized their warehouse, belonging to a state-owned enterprise, and now owes over UAH 2 million. Other operators pay the port $0.5 per ton of cargo for the use of public infrastructure, while ZTK only pays $0.05. Martynyuk claims that ZTK expects the state to subsidize their excess profits.
In 2022, Tishchenko set up a working group under the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to inspect the maritime complex. In November, members of the group visited Ust-Dunaisk. Then, on December 31, Nikolai Tishchenko announced on Facebook that he initiated the dismissal of the head of the port of Kiliya for corruption. The port believes this is an attempt by the deputy to seize the port completely without paying the state enterprise's debt.
According to Yuri Martynyuk, the ZTK stevedoring company openly acknowledges its connection with Tishchenko.
“This company tells everywhere who they work for, whose cargo they handle. They tell you in plain text: we work from this person, do you even understand who you are rocking the boat at? — says the director of the port.
Last year, many heads of the Danube ports were approached by the “Inspector” with requests for special price conditions for his suppliers, which were 2-3 times lower than market rates. The directors were told that the issue had been agreed with the relevant ministry, which was not true.
The investigation notes that People's Deputy Nikolai Tishchenko is continually conducting checks. In 2021, he established and led the inter-factional association “Ukrainian Railway” and evaluated the cars of “Ukrzaliznytsia”. He also delved into the forest industry, created a temporary inquiry commission, and is currently inspecting the forestries of Transcarpathia. These checks have become a lucrative business, resulting in a video titled “Nikolai is walking, chips are flying” being displayed on LED screens throughout Kyiv, presumably to warn foresters in other regions.
The next investigative/working/temporary group's approach is consistent in each case. It involves an “expert office” comprising ex-directors previously dismissed for corruption, psychological pressure, sweeping accusations, and visits to enterprises reminiscent of the visits of racketeer gangs from the 90s. They also refuse to allow journalists in and communicate with the media, and are bombarded with calls from relevant ministers and deputies demanding specific personnel changes. The publication concludes by suggesting that NABU should investigate the main parliamentary “verifier” and assures that there are plenty of witnesses willing to testify against him.
Recall that on December 22, the State Property Fund put up the port of Ust-Dunaisk for privatization. The privatization auction will take place on January 17 on the Prozorro.Sale website. The starting price is UAH 60 million.
Prosecutor's lawlessness in the port of Ust-Dunaysk
Everything flows, but nothing changes. Results of 5 months of work of the Ports Administration
