27.12.2024
Money laundering
Corruption in mobilization: how did employees of the tobacco company Tedis Ukraine become “critical” for the Armed Forces?

Are cigarettes really a strategic weapon against the enemy? Perhaps soldiers now kill racists not with shells but with tobacco products?
Or how else to explain the Order of the Ministry of Economy No. 8933 “On Confirming the Status of TEDIS Ukraine as Critical to the Functioning of the Economy and the Life of the Population in a Special Period”? Or other orders – No. 13497, No. 13790, No. 15612 “On Reservation of Persons Liable for Military Service for TEDIS Ukraine LLC”?
According to these, the employees of TEDIS Ukraine were equated with drone manufacturers, mechanics and military engineers. Therefore, the cigarette manufacturer can boast of evading mobilization on the legal grounds of the Ministry of Economy.
Moreover, we can see that TEDIS has booked its own employees three times, probably expanding the number of employees. By the way, the lists of such employees were agreed with the Ministry of Defense. Therefore, we can now draw a triangle of a possible corruption conspiracy: The Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy and TEDIS.
Why can’t TEDIS Ukraine be recognized as critical?
“Tedis is the de facto monopolist of the retail cigarette market in Ukraine. According to the company, its share is 50%. Experts believe that Tedis’ share is close to 80%.
Who is behind Tedis?

Boris Kaufman, one of the most controversial figures in Ukrainian business, has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to avoid serious responsibility even when faced with high-profile charges. His name is associated with a number of scandals, including tax evasion, abuse of the tobacco market, and involvement in large-scale corruption schemes, particularly in Odesa.
The situation with Tedis, where Kaufman is the main figure, illustrates the concentration of influence that allows him to circumvent the justice system.
The antitrust fine of UAH 6.5 billion for collusion with international tobacco giants, which was overturned by the Supreme Court, looks like an example of serious “preferences” that a businessman receives at different levels of the system.
Even more serious is the criminal proceeding related to the creation of an ideological criminal organization, which, according to the NABU and SAPO, controlled key areas of Odesa’s life. This case involves deeply corrupt ties, involving not only business interests, but also influential local authorities and municipal structures. Even additional charges, such as the seizure of property at the Odesa airport, have not resulted in significant restrictions on Kaufman.
His ability to quickly post bail and avoid arrest is indicative of Ukraine’s justice system, which is often influenced by political and business interests. It also indicates weaknesses in the fight against oligarchic structures, which remain one of the country’s main challenges, especially in the context of war and the drive for reform.
So, what do we have?
- Tedis Ukraine has at least 39 employees subject to military service, 28 of whom are on a special register (reserved from mobilization).
- The company, which is a tobacco reseller, received the illegal status of critical importance due to corrupt ties of its management.
- Its activities do not meet any of the criteria that define “critical” enterprises for the economy or the needs of the Armed Forces.
- Similar violations were found in controlled companies: Tobacco Company South LLC and Volyn Tobacco LLC.
- Now, through corrupt schemes with officials of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Defense, the following have been ensured: illegal booking of employees, the possibility of traveling abroad for “important” employees, and evasion of mobilization measures.
According to our materials, the SBU MID registered the information in the URPI under No. 22024000000000891 on October 01, 2024 under Part 2 of Art. 201-4 of the Criminal Code. We hope that at least the SBU has not sold out to the interests of the oligarchs.
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