In Transcarpathia, particularly in the popular resort complex Bukovel, three families of former high-ranking officials of Ukraine’s law enforcement system own luxurious real estate and assets, raising new questions about their influence and corruption links in their post-service lives
This investigation reveals connections between former top officials and business activities in sophisticated resort areas, especially in the context of large-scale construction. According to information obtained by Bihus.Info journalists, one key figure in this network is Oksana Chebotary, the daughter of former Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov. Oksana Chebotary became co-owner of Glacier Hill, a company that is the developer of the largest hotel complex in Bukovel — Glacier Premium Apartments. Forbes estimates that this hotel will become the most extensive renovation of hotel infrastructure in Ukraine. According to the project, it will have 10 floors and over 810 apartments, as well as a modern spa complex, fitness center, and luxury boutiques for guests. Oksana Chebotary owns 33.30% of the company's shares, giving her significant influence over the implementation of this large-scale project. Another resonant story involves the family of former Deputy Prosecutor General Serhii Kiz, particularly his wife, Maryna. She owns three apartments totaling over 300 square meters in the Rest & Ski Spa Resort hotel in Bukovel. These properties are now under scrutiny due to their value and the owners’ connections with former high-ranking officials. Oleksii Takhtai, who previously worked with Chebotary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has been associated with controversial scandals during his service, including illegal sand extraction. Law enforcement agencies even opened a criminal case, which included videos from Chebotary’s office discussing profits from illegal activities. Takhtai is currently suspected of embezzlement of especially large sums, further intensifying the scrutiny around his assets. An additional interesting link involves the family of former Deputy Prosecutor General Serhii Kiz, notably his wife, Maryna. She owns three apartments in the Westhills cottage community, covering approximately 150 square meters. These properties appeared in her private ownership after her husband’s dismissal from law enforcement in 2020. Serhii Kiz, who worked in the prosecutor’s office for years and served as Deputy Prosecutor General in 2019, turned to business after his resignation. He now owns at least ten companies operating across various sectors — from real estate to agriculture. His business assets reflect a clear pattern: an influential former public servant has managed to build substantial wealth in the private sector. Interestingly, all three families are connected through a common business partner — Vasyl Kavlak, a Frakivsk-based developer and a regular partner of Bukovel resort. It was with him that Chebotary’s daughter founded a company responsible for the large-scale construction of Glacier Premium Apartments. At the same time, the wives of Takhtai and Kiz have purchased apartments precisely within hotel complexes being developed by companies of this shared business partner, raising questions about their influence and possible corruption ties. This situation underscores a broader trend: former high-ranking Ukrainian officials have intensified their holdings of real estate and business assets in resort regions around Bukovel. Their properties and participation in large-scale construction projects run parallel to their former official activities, fueling discussions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest in the privatization of resort infrastructure. This is only part of a broader mechanism where, under the guise of private investments and business projects, the same actors trusted by the public continue to operate. Their presence in Ukraine’s most popular resort during its ongoing transformation casts doubt on the integrity of the process and raises questions about the goals pursued by former officials after their departure from office. One thing is clear: in this sphere of corruption and business interests, issues of transparency and accountability demand increased attention from the public and law enforcement agencies.