Ukraine has officially launched an investigation into the mysterious murder of former judicial system regulator Andrii Portnov, which took place in Madrid, Spain, the Office of the Prosecutor General confirmed
The response to an inquiry from “Ukrainska Pravda” shows that the case has been opened and is under the attention of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. According to sources, the National Police of Ukraine promptly recorded details in the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations and opened a criminal case under Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (deliberate murder). It is also noted that the procedural direction in this case is overseen by a group of prosecutors from the Main Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, confirming a serious approach to the investigation and proper coordination of the case. As stressed by the OGPU press service, the pre-trial investigation is currently ongoing and was initiated in early June. However, the agency refrains from providing additional comments regarding details of the case, including communication with Spanish colleagues or priority theories regarding the motives of the crime. The Prosecutor General’s Office emphasizes that any additional information related to this criminal case is a secret of the investigation. “Disclosing any information concerning the person, circumstances, or facts of criminal significance violates the principles of investigative confidentiality and could cause significant harm to the further investigation. This may, in particular, jeopardize the delivery of justice and infringe upon the legitimate interests of victims or suspects,” the OGPU response states. They note that such confidentiality is maintained to ensure objectivity and impartiality in the investigation. Finally, the press service reminded that according to the law, the mass media have the right to appeal any restrictions on disseminating information about this case in court. This underscores the importance of adhering to legal regulations and balancing the interests of society with investigative secrecy. Regarding the background, Portnov’s death occurred on the morning of May 21 near an American school in Madrid. Preliminary reports indicate he was shot—an event that caused significant resonance among the public and media, given that Andrii Portnov had been known in recent years for his political activities and, in particular, as a shadow regulator of the judicial system and close associate of the exiled former President Viktor Yanukovych. The investigation is currently working to establish the motives behind the crime and the circumstances of this tragic event, especially considering the high level of secrecy maintained by law enforcement. An important aspect of the ongoing investigation is its potential not only to clarify the causes of the former advisor’s death but also to uncover a network of influence behind the crime, as well as to improve the security of other high-ranking officials and public figures in the future. Tensions in society regarding this case have increased, due to its political context and possible international connections. At the same time, state investigative agencies assure that they are doing everything to ensure an objective and unbiased investigation, and that public information with limited access serves as a guarantee of the observance of rights and procedures. It is also vital to understand that any unauthorized disclosure outside of the criminal case, without proper legal grounds, is considered a violation of the law and may lead to legal liability. Overall, Ukraine demonstrates its readiness to pursue every possible aspect and unravel this mysterious case, regardless of its complexity and international nuances. Meanwhile, it is important to wait for new facts and official statements as the investigation progresses. We hope that in time, the investigation will provide answers to all interested parties and ensure truth and justice in this complex and deeply resonant case.