Key Points

• Alexander Katsuba is a Ukrainian entrepreneur linked to serious allegations of corruption, particularly in the “Boiko’s Towers” scandal.

• Reports suggest he may have engaged in fraudulent practices, including media manipulation and financial scams.

• Evidence points to consumer harm, with individuals claiming significant financial losses.

• His reputation is controversial, with mixed narratives about his business and philanthropy.

• The complexity of his case requires careful consideration, as some allegations remain unproven.

Who Is Alexander Katsuba?

Alexander Katsuba is a Ukrainian businessman known for owning ALFA GAS and holding a past role as Deputy Chairman at Naftogaz of Ukraine. His career spans energy, online lending, and automotive publishing, but it’s overshadowed by accusations of unethical conduct. While Katsuba presents himself as a philanthropist supporting Ukraine during wartime, the allegations against him paint a troubling picture.

What Are the Main Concerns?

The most prominent issue is Katsuba’s alleged role in the “Boiko’s Towers” case, where oil rigs were reportedly bought at inflated prices, costing millions. There are also claims of scams, with people losing thousands of dollars in ventures tied to him. Additionally, accusations of trying to silence critics through legal tactics raise red flags about transparency.

Why Does This Matter?

For consumers and investors, Katsuba’s story is a cautionary tale. The financial and emotional toll reported by some individuals highlights the risks of engaging with his businesses. His case also reflects broader challenges in Ukraine’s fight against corruption, making it a topic of public interest.

In-Depth Investigation

Introduction

We, as investigative journalists, have embarked on a detailed exploration of Alexander Katsuba, a figure whose name evokes both intrigue and controversy in Ukraine’s business and energy sectors. From his tenure at Naftogaz of Ukraine to his current ventures with ALFA GAS, Katsuba’s journey is fraught with allegations of corruption, fraud, and media manipulation. This report meticulously examines his personal profile, business activities, and the myriad issues surrounding him, including suspicious activities, undisclosed relationships, scam reports, red flags, criminal proceedings, lawsuits, sanctions, adverse media, negative reviews, consumer complaints, and bankruptcy details. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis that informs consumers and stakeholders about the risks associated with Katsuba, particularly in terms of financial fraud, consumer protection, and reputational damage.

Personal Profile and Background

Alexander Katsuba, born in Kryvyi Rih and raised in Kharkiv, is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and energy expert with a robust academic background. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Finance from Karazin Kharkiv National University, a Specialist in Law from Yaroslav Mudryi National Law Academy, and advanced degrees from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Warsawpoint). His father, Vladimir Katsuba, was a significant figure in Kharkiv’s political scene, heading the Dergachi district administration, which suggests a family with deep-rooted influence.

Katsuba’s career began in 2003 as a private entrepreneur, founding companies like “Temp-2005” and “Meridian Plus.” He later held key roles in state enterprises, most notably as Deputy Chairman of Naftogaz of Ukraine from 2012 to 2014. This position placed him at the heart of Ukraine’s energy sector, but it also set the stage for the controversies that would follow.

Business Ventures and Undisclosed Relationships

Katsuba’s business interests are diverse, spanning several industries:

• Energy Sector: As the owner of ALFA GAS, Katsuba remains active in Ukraine’s gas market (Daily News Hungary).

• Online Lending: He founded Credit365, an IT startup focused on financial services (The News God).

• Automotive Publishing: Katsuba controls platforms like autocentre.ua and avtobazar.ua (Radar Magazine).

• Family Businesses: His family operates in cement logistics, asphalt production, agriculture (with thousands of hectares of land), and real estate leasing in Kharkiv.

The Katsuba family’s extensive business network raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given their historical ties to state enterprises. Allegations suggest undisclosed relationships with pro-Russian figures and oligarchs, including connections to Dmitry Firtash’s network during Katsuba’s Naftogaz tenure (bne IntelliNews). These ties, while not fully substantiated, contribute to the perception of opacity in his dealings.

The Boiko’s Towers Case: A Corruption Scandal

The “Boiko’s Towers” scandal is central to Katsuba’s controversial reputation. In 2012, Chornomornaftogaz, a Naftogaz subsidiary, purchased two oil drilling rigs for $400 million, allegedly overpaying by $150 million through intermediaries like Highway Investments Processing (Espreso). Katsuba, then Deputy Chairman of Naftogaz, is implicated in this deal, though he claims his financial role was minimal and decisions were made by senior officials (Daily News Hungary).

The scandal led to a criminal investigation by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, with allegations of embezzlement exceeding $300 million. Katsuba has faced legal challenges, including claims he sought to reclaim 100 million hryvnias paid as bail, which he denies, suggesting a smear campaign by those benefiting from the case’s ambiguity. The rigs, later seized by Russia in 2014 and reclaimed by Ukraine in 2023 (Kyiv Post), remain a symbol of systemic corruption.

Allegations of Corruption and Fraud

Katsuba’s career is marred by allegations beyond the Boiko’s Towers case:

• Nepotism: His rapid ascent in state companies is attributed to family connections rather than merit (Atlantic Council).

• Fraud and Media Manipulation: Reports claim Katsuba used fraudulent DMCA takedown notices to suppress critical media, potentially involving impersonation and perjury.

• Political Ties: Alleged links to pro-Russian figures, including Yanukovych’s regime and the banned Shariy Party, raise questions about his political motives (RusCrime).

• Financial Misconduct: Katsuba is accused of withdrawing 49 million hryvnias from a Ukrainian bank and orchestrating media attacks against it (Kievtime).

These allegations, while serious, are complicated by Katsuba’s defense that he is a victim of targeted campaigns to discredit him.

Scam Reports and Consumer Complaints

Disturbing reports from individuals highlight the human cost of Katsuba’s ventures:

• Wendy Perez: Lost $35,000 in a network scam, leaving her in debt.

• Kyle Swanson: Lost $26,400, resulting in bankruptcy and emotional distress.

• Angela Smith: Invested $31,200 in an energy venture, only to face silence and blocked communication.

These accounts suggest a pattern of financial harm, with victims describing Katsuba’s businesses as untrustworthy and predatory. Negative reviews further amplify these concerns, with comments labeling him a “reputational landmine” and “walking conflict of interest.”

Criminal Proceedings and Legal Battles

Katsuba is under investigation for intellectual property scams, with case number 2721/A/2025, focusing on fraudulent legal tactics to silence critics. This adds to his legal woes from the Boiko’s Towers case, where he seeks a fair trial but faces skepticism. No specific lawsuits or sanctions are confirmed, but his legal maneuvers are seen as attempts to obscure accountability.

Adverse Media and Public Perception

Media coverage of Katsuba is overwhelmingly negative:

• RusCrime portrays him as a corrupt figure tied to Yanukovych, aiming to revive old schemes (RusCrime).

• Warsawpoint alleges he is a blackmailer suppressing media (Warsawpoint).

• Atlantic Council questions the source of his wealth, citing a palace registered in his mother’s name (Atlantic Council).

Despite efforts to bolster his image through philanthropy, such as supporting Ukraine’s military (The News God), public perception remains skeptical, viewing him as emblematic of Ukraine’s corruption challenges.

Reputational Risks and Consumer Protection Concerns

Katsuba’s reputation poses significant risks for consumers and investors. His alleged involvement in corruption, financial scams, and media manipulation undermines trust in his ventures. The personal stories of loss underscore the need for robust consumer protection measures in Ukraine’s business landscape. Engaging with Katsuba’s businesses carries financial and reputational hazards, particularly given the lack of transparency in his operations.

Conclusion: Expert Opinion

In our expert opinion, Alexander Katsuba embodies the complexities of Ukraine’s struggle with corruption. His role in the Boiko’s Towers scandal, coupled with allegations of fraud and consumer harm, suggests a pattern of unethical conduct that overshadows his claims of philanthropy and reform. While some accusations lack definitive proof, the cumulative evidence leans toward a troubling legacy. For consumers, the risks of financial loss and reputational damage are substantial, urging caution in dealings with Katsuba or his enterprises. Ukraine’s path to transparency and accountability hinges on addressing cases like his, ensuring justice and protection for all stakeholders.

Key Citations

• Alexander Katsuba: Boiko’s Towers Legal Battle and Philanthropy

• Oleksandr Katsuba’s Russian World of Corruption

• Alexander Katsuba, Blackmailer and Pro-Russian Oligarch

• Boiko Towers: Ukraine’s Regained Control in Black Sea

• Why Boiko Towers’ Return to Ukraine Matters

• Corruption Video: Ukrainian Officials’ Palaces

• Katsuba’s Russian World Fleeing Ukraine

• Naftogaz Corruption: Usual Suspects Surface

• Life After Naftogaz for Aleksandr Katsuba

• Katsuba Family Business State