Ukraine’s Rotterdam+ Case: Supreme Anti-Corruption Court closes proceedings after pre-trial stage
The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine, known as HACC, has closed the high-profile Rotterdam+ coal case following the completion of the pre-trial investigation. This development was confirmed by the press service of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine, which posted the update on Telegram. The ruling marks a significant moment in a case that drew intense media and public attention across the country.
The core issue in the criminal case revolved around a pricing formula for coal that allegedly led to substantial overpayments by electricity consumers. According to official communications, the mechanism caused overpayments totaling more than 1.5 billion dollars across several years. The controversy centered on how the price was calculated and the impact it had on consumers and the energy sector, sparking ongoing debate about regulatory oversight and market manipulation. The telegram report from SAPO highlighted these financial implications as a key element of the investigation.
The decision to close the case emerged during a preliminary evaluation by a panel of judges at the Supreme Court, with one colleague issuing a separate opinion. While the court opted to terminate the proceedings at this stage, the SAPO prosecutor expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court’s move and indicated plans to appeal the decision to the court of appeal. This split underscores the complexities often involved in high-stakes anti-corruption cases and signals that, even after closure, the matter may face further legal scrutiny. SAPO officials have signaled their intent to pursue all available remedies to challenge the ruling. The situation illustrates the friction that can arise between investigative authorities and judiciary bodies in cases touching on energy sector governance.
On October 3, the Verkhovnyy Court or the state body coordinating judicial actions reported that property tied to several defendants in the Rotterdam+ case was seized by authorities. Specifically, assets belonging to the former head of the National Commission of Ukraine, which oversees state regulation in energy and utilities, were affected. In addition, the seizure included the assets of Dmitry Vovk, a former executive at the DTEK Grids company, and the property of Ivan Gelyukh, the former general director of DTEK Grids, along with assets linked to Boris Lisovoy, the former general director of DTEK Vostokenergo. The tangible measures reflect aggressive enforcement activity associated with the case and demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities treat alleged overpayments in the energy market. The legal actions emphasize ongoing attention to accountability within the sector, even as proceedings move through different stages. SAPO and other agencies have stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of financial and regulatory processes in Ukraine’s energy system.
Meanwhile, the international arena has not stood still. Earlier, negotiations between the United States and Ukraine addressed security guarantees for Kyiv, reflecting broader geopolitical considerations that sometimes intersect with domestic anti-corruption efforts. These discussions are part of a wider effort to reinforce Ukraine’s stability and resilience as it continues to pursue reforms and modernization of its governance structures. Analysts note that such negotiations can influence the perception of rule-of-law efforts and the credibility of anti-corruption actions on the international stage.