Andriy Dovbenko

Key Points

• Research suggests Andriy Dovbenko is a Ukrainian lawyer and investor, now based in the UK, with significant business ties in law and tech sectors, but faces serious allegations of fraud and corruption.
• It seems likely that he is wanted by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) for a $13 million fraud scheme, with ongoing criminal proceedings, though no UK lawsuits are confirmed.
• The evidence leans toward reputational risks due to adverse media and alleged ties to organized crime, with no known sanctions or bankruptcy, but high risks for anti-money laundering investigations.

Introduction

In our investigation into Andriy Dovbenko, a Ukrainian lawyer and investor now residing in the UK, we uncover a complex web of business relations, personal profiles, and serious allegations that paint a picture of both professional success and legal controversy. As of April 15, 2025, our findings reveal a figure at the center of significant scrutiny, particularly from Ukrainian authorities, with implications for anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risks. We aim to provide a clear, factual overview for our readers, acknowledging the complexity and sensitivity of the topic.

Business Relations and Personal Profiles

Andriy Dovbenko, a graduate of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, began his career as a lawyer with the Big Four and rose to managing partner at international law firms. He founded EVRIS Law Firm, which merged with LCF Law Group in 2020, and later launched EVRIS Invest, focusing on IT, agriculture, and fintech. Currently, he leads the UK-Ukraine TechExchange, supporting startups in defense and agritech, with associated companies like Pilotechnika, Skyeton, Transimpex, and Zvook. His LinkedIn profile (LinkedIn) shows over 500 connections, highlighting his extensive network in tech and investment sectors.

Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Dovbenko faces serious allegations, notably being wanted by NABU since January 2023 for organizing a criminal group involved in a fraudulent scheme with seized property, causing over $13 million in losses to Ukraine (Kyiv Independent). The scheme involved staged auctions and implicated at least 11 people, including officials from ARMA and SETAM. While no UK lawsuits are confirmed, his alleged ties to organized crime and money laundering, particularly with sanctioned oligarch Sergey Kurchenko, add to the legal risks.

Risk Assessment

Given the allegations, Dovbenko poses high AML risks due to potential money laundering activities and his association with controversial figures. Reputational risks are significant, with adverse media coverage and efforts to suppress negative information via DMCA takedown notices, as noted in an investigation report (Cybercriminal.com Investigation Report). There are no known sanctions or bankruptcy records, but the ongoing criminal case in Ukraine warrants caution.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Investigation into Andriy Dovbenko

Introduction: A Figure of Controversy and Ambition

As investigative journalists, we delve into the life and business dealings of Andriy Dovbenko, a Ukrainian-born lawyer and investor now based in London, UK. Our research, conducted as of April 15, 2025, aims to provide a detailed examination of his business relations, personal profiles, and the myriad allegations surrounding him, particularly in light of anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational risk assessments. This survey note encompasses all facets of our findings, offering a professional, news-journalist style analysis in the first-person plural, reflecting our commitment to thorough reporting.

Personal Profile and Background

Andriy Dovbenko, born in Kalush, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine, holds a degree in jurisprudence from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. His career trajectory began with legal roles at the Big Four, progressing to managing partner positions at international law firms like Andreas Neocleous & Co. His personal blog (Blog Andrey Dovbenko) offers an official biography, though it lacks specific statements addressing allegations. As of our research, he resides in London, with a LinkedIn profile (LinkedIn) boasting over 500 connections, indicating a robust professional network in tech and investment sectors.

Business Relations: A Network of Legal and Investment Ventures

Our investigation reveals Dovbenko’s extensive business engagements. He founded EVRIS Law Firm in 2017, which was recognized as one of Ukraine’s top 20 law firms and merged with LCF Law Group in May 2020 (IFLR1000). This merger expanded LCF’s practices, adding tax, antitrust, and criminal law, with Dovbenko’s team integrating into the new structure. Post-merger, he shifted focus to investments, launching EVRIS Invest and EVRIS Asset Management in 2018, targeting IT, agriculture, and fintech sectors (EVRIS Invest LinkedIn). EVRIS Invest, based in Kyiv, has a LinkedIn following of 355 and a Facebook presence with over 5,500 likes, focusing on deal sourcing, capital structuring, and M&A support.

A significant venture is the UK-Ukraine TechExchange, founded in 2023, which supports startups in defense and agritech, facilitating collaboration between UK and Ukrainian ecosystems. The inaugural cohort includes Ukrainian companies Pilotechnika, Skyeton, Transimpex, and Zvook, as reported by ADS Advance (ADS Advance). This initiative, operating pro bono, aims to connect startups with investors and media, with Dovbenko’s leadership highlighted in articles like those from BusinessFirst (BusinessFirst).

OSINT and Undisclosed Business Relationships

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) reveals potential undisclosed relationships, particularly with controversial figures. Allegations link him to Sergey Kurchenko, a sanctioned Ukrainian oligarch with ties to Viktor Yanukovych, accused of money laundering (Wikipedia Sergey Kurchenko). A 2017 Luxembourg Herald article (Luxembourg Herald) mentions accusations of money laundering for Kurchenko, though Dovbenko claimed to have cleared his name. Further, his ex-wife, Daria Zarivna, now press secretary for Andriy Ermak, head of the Presidential Office, suggests political connections (Ossetia TV). Bihus.info investigations from 2017 and 2019, cited in KyivPost articles (KyivPost 2019, KyivPost 2020), label him a “gray cardinal” behind the Justice Ministry, with proteges in key positions.

Scam Reports, Red Flags, and Allegations

Our research uncovers significant scam reports and red flags. Since January 2023, NABU has declared Dovbenko wanted for organizing a criminal group involved in fraud with seized property, causing over $13 million in losses, as detailed in the Kyiv Independent (Kyiv Independent). The scheme involved staged auctions, implicating at least 11 people, including ARMA and SETAM officials. Medium and Ossetia TV articles corroborate this, with additional claims of ties to drug cartels, though lacking credible evidence (Medium, Ossetia TV). An investigation report from cybercriminal.com (Cybercriminal.com Investigation Report) lists allegations of perjury, embezzlement, and unethical practices, with efforts to suppress negative information via DMCA takedown notices, supported by Lumen Database entries like Lumen Notice.

Criminal Proceedings and Lawsuits

Criminal proceedings are active in Ukraine, with NABU’s case ongoing, and Dovbenko arrested in absentia, as noted in recent articles (Ukrainian Vartovyi). His lawyer, Denys Bugay, has published defenses on social media, questioning the evidence, but the case remains unresolved. No lawsuits or legal actions in the UK were found, suggesting his legal battles are primarily in Ukraine, with potential extradition risks given his London residence.

Sanctions, Adverse Media, and Negative Reviews

No international sanctions against Dovbenko were identified, unlike Kurchenko, who is sanctioned by the US and EU (OpenSanctions). Adverse media is extensive, with articles from KyivPost, Medium, and Ossetia TV highlighting corruption and fraud allegations. Negative reviews or consumer complaints are scarce, possibly due to his focus on investment rather than consumer-facing businesses. Efforts to remove negative content, as per the cybercriminal.com report, indicate reputational management strategies.

Bankruptcy Details

No information on bankruptcy was found for Dovbenko or his companies, suggesting financial stability, though his legal troubles could impact future financial standing.

Risk Assessment: AML and Reputational Implications

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Investigation: The evidence leans toward high AML risks, given allegations of money laundering with Kurchenko and the NABU fraud case, potentially involving investment vehicles to obscure illicit funds. His UK-based activities, like TechExchange, could be scrutinized for AML compliance, especially with ties to controversial figures.

Reputational Risks: Significant reputational damage is evident from adverse media and criminal allegations, undermining trust with partners and investors. His efforts to suppress negative information, as noted in Lumen Database notices, suggest awareness of reputational harm, posing risks for businesses associating with him.

Conclusion and Expert Opinion

Our comprehensive investigation reveals Andriy Dovbenko as a figure of both ambition and controversy, with a robust business network overshadowed by serious legal and reputational risks. The ongoing NABU case, coupled with alleged ties to organized crime, warrants caution. In our expert opinion, as of April 15, 2025, any engagement with Dovbenko should be avoided until legal matters are resolved, given the high potential for legal repercussions and reputational damage, particularly in AML-sensitive environments.

Key Citations

• Top lawyer wanted for organizing fraudulent scheme to sell property seized by state
• Andrii Dovbenko is wanted. On December 29, 2022, Mr. Dovbenko was… | by Olya Panchenko | Dead Lawyers Society | Medium
• Andriy Dovbenko is wanted in Ukraine: will we ever see the criminal Andrii Dovbenko and Bohdan in a jail? — Осетия ТВ
• LuxHerald concerning the illegal detainment of Mr. Andriy Dovbenko: release him now! – Luxembourg Herald
• About Andriy Dovbenko: lawyer and venture investor who believes in Ukraine – TechBullion
• Andriy Dovbenko: Bridging frontiers in defense and agriculture innovation · BUSINESSFIRST
• Investigate Andriy Dovbenko: Detailed Report on Allegations and Business Ties
• UK-Ukraine TechExchange launched – ADS Advance
• Evris (merged with LCF Law Group 05/2020) – Ukraine – Firm Profile | I
• EVRIS Invest | LinkedIn
• Serhiy Kurchenko – Wikipedia
• Serhiy Vitaliyovych Kurchenko – OpenSanctions
• Report says Bohdan attended controversial lawyer’s wedding in France – Aug. 25, 2019 | KyivPost
• Zelensky appoints key suspect in Vovk corruption case to oversee EU integration – Sep. 04, 2020 | KyivPost
• Lurcher Andriy Dovbenko is trying to deceive UK Authorities, UA NABU and police – Український вартовий
• My history – Blog Andrey Dovbenko
• Andriy Dovbenko – National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy – Ukraine | LinkedIn
• Ongoing war with Russia is feeding everyone from the President to MPs – Andriy Dovbenko – Luxembourg Herald
• Which wealthy Ukrainians shelter from war and law enforcement in UK – interview / The New Voice of Ukraine
• Lumen Database Notice Example