Roman Balykin

Key Points

• Roman Balykin is a Ukrainian national implicated in a 2022 corruption scandal involving a fraudulent military uniform deal during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

• Served as an advisor to former Ukrainian Deputy Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov, allegedly involved in a scheme defrauding Ukraine of $9.5 million.

• Arrested in November 2024 by Ukrainian authorities, with ongoing investigations and asset seizures, including luxury vehicles.

• Linked to multiple business roles, including CEO of ATL in Ukraine, with a professional presence on LinkedIn.

• No direct evidence of cybercriminal activity, but his name appears in discussions of corruption and fraud in a military context.

Overview

Roman Balykin is a Ukrainian business professional and former government advisor, primarily known for his role as CEO of ATL (АТЛ), a company based in Ukraine, as listed on his LinkedIn profile. His professional experience spans over 32 years, with connections to various industries, including lighting (SVETLINI), cleaning services, and other commercial ventures. Balykin’s LinkedIn profile indicates a location in Ukraine and 48 professional connections, suggesting a network within the Ukrainian business community. However, his public profile took a significant turn due to his involvement in a high-profile corruption case related to military procurement during Ukraine’s defense efforts against Russia’s 2022 invasion. Balykin was an advisor to Vyacheslav Shapovalov, Ukraine’s former Deputy Minister of Defense, and is now a central figure in a fraud investigation involving military uniforms.

Allegations and Concerns

• Corruption in Military Procurement: Balykin is accused of participating in a scheme to defraud the Ukrainian government of $9.5 million through a deal for winter camouflage uniforms in 2022. The investigation suggests the uniforms were substandard or not delivered as promised, impacting military readiness during a critical period.

• Failure to Pay Bribes: Reports indicate Balykin and co-conspirators, including former parliament member Igor Franchuk, failed to pay promised bribes to officials, exacerbating the scandal and leading to legal action.

• Arrest and Asset Seizures: On November 27, 2024, Ukrainian authorities conducted raids on 38 locations, arresting Balykin, Franchuk, and others. Luxury vehicles and other assets were seized as part of the investigation.

• International Implications: The case has extended to Türkiye, where Philippe Haim Solomon, the alleged mastermind, faces trial for fraud, potentially up to 12.5 years in prison. Balykin’s role connects to this broader international investigation.

Customer Feedback

There is no direct consumer feedback available on Balykin’s business activities, such as his role at ATL or other ventures like SVETLINI. His LinkedIn profile does not provide specific customer reviews or testimonials, and no public reviews were found on platforms like Trustpilot, Yelp, or similar sites. The lack of customer feedback may stem from the nature of his businesses, which appear to focus on B2B services (e.g., lighting, cleaning) rather than consumer-facing operations. However, the corruption allegations have generated significant negative publicity in Ukrainian media, with public sentiment likely critical due to the scandal’s impact on national defense. No specific quotes from customers were identified in the available data.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Balykin’s involvement in a $9.5 million fraud scheme suggests significant financial misconduct, potentially affecting any business ventures he is associated with. Investors or partners in ATL or related companies may face losses if assets are seized or operations are disrupted.

• Reputational Risks: The corruption scandal has severely damaged Balykin’s reputation, particularly in Ukraine, where public trust in officials and advisors is critical during wartime. His association with failed military procurement could deter future business partnerships.

• Legal Risks: Ongoing investigations and arrests indicate a high likelihood of criminal charges, potentially leading to imprisonment or fines. The international scope of the case (involving Türkiye) increases legal complexity and exposure.

• Operational Risks: Businesses linked to Balykin, such as ATL, may face operational challenges due to his legal troubles, including loss of contracts, regulatory scrutiny, or inability to fulfill obligations.

Business Relations and Associations

• ATL (АТЛ): Balykin serves as CEO, though specific details about the company’s operations are limited. It appears to be a Ukrainian entity, possibly involved in import, production, or design, based on LinkedIn references to related ventures like SVETLINI (lighting).

• SVETLINI and Other Ventures: Balykin is connected to SVETLINI (LED lighting import, production, and design) and cleaning services, indicating a diverse portfolio of small to medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine.

• Vyacheslav Shapovalov: As an advisor to the former Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense, Balykin had access to high-level government dealings, which facilitated his alleged role in the uniform scandal.

• Igor Franchuk: A former Ukrainian parliament member and co-conspirator in the fraud scheme, arrested alongside Balykin.

• Philippe Haim Solomon: The alleged mastermind of the fraud, currently facing trial in Türkiye, linked to Balykin through the uniform deal.

• Ukrainian Authorities: The National Police of Ukraine and other agencies are directly involved in investigating Balykin, indicating adversarial relations with law enforcement.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Corruption Charges: Balykin faces charges related to fraud and corruption, stemming from the $9.5 million military uniform deal. The exact charges are not fully detailed in public records, but they involve defrauding the state and failing to deliver on promised contracts.

• Arrest Warrants: Issued as part of the November 2024 raids, with Balykin and others detained for their roles in the scheme.

• Asset Seizures: Luxury vehicles and other assets were confiscated, suggesting potential financial penalties or restitution requirements.

• No Bankruptcy Records: There are no public records indicating personal or corporate bankruptcy for Balykin or his businesses, but the ongoing investigation could lead to financial insolvency if penalties are severe.

• International Legal Exposure: The case’s extension to Türkiye, involving Solomon, suggests potential extradition risks or cross-border legal proceedings.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Roman Balykin’s case highlights the intersection of business, government, and corruption in a high-stakes wartime context. His professional background as a CEO and advisor suggests competence in managing enterprises, but the corruption allegations overshadow any legitimate achievements. The $9.5 million fraud scheme, tied to critical military needs, represents a significant betrayal of public trust, particularly given Ukraine’s reliance on effective defense procurement during the 2022 Russian invasion.

Pros:

• Balykin’s long tenure (32 years) in business indicates experience and industry connections, potentially valuable in stable conditions.

• His LinkedIn presence suggests a network that could be leveraged for legitimate ventures if cleared of charges.

Cons:

• The corruption scandal severely undermines his credibility, making future business dealings risky.

• Ongoing legal proceedings and asset seizures pose immediate threats to his financial stability and business operations.

• The international scope of the case increases complexity and potential consequences.

Cautionary Advice: Engaging with Balykin or his businesses (e.g., ATL, SVETLINI) carries significant risks due to his legal entanglements and reputational damage. Potential partners or investors should await the outcome of the investigation and trial before considering collaboration. Those already involved should conduct thorough due diligence, monitor legal developments, and prepare for potential disruptions. For individuals or entities in Ukraine, the political and social sensitivity of the scandal necessitates extreme caution to avoid association with corruption.

Key Citations

• Türkiye Today, “Ex-Ukrainian minister advisor arrested in uniform corruption goes to trial in Türkiye,” December 3, 2024.

• LinkedIn, “Roman Balykin – CEO – ATL(АТЛ),” accessed May 15, 2025.