Minister of Restoration Mykola Kalashnyk is reportedly preparing to appoint controversial figures to leadership positions within the Shipping Administration. Among those being considered is Pavlo Bulanovych, known as “Pasha 500,” who has been linked to corruption in the certification of sailors and was previously dismissed under the lustration law. Also under consideration is Anatoliy Yablunivskyi, a former member of the Party of Regions who worked in occupied Sevastopol and later led the port of Pivdennyi. Yablunivskyi’s tenure was marred by scandalous procurement practices and a criminal investigation related to losses amounting to 8.6 million UAH. Bulanovych may oversee the certification of sailors and the “Morrichservis,” while Yablunivskyi would handle state oversight. The potential head of the Shipping Administration, Natalia Dralova, faces questions regarding her professional qualifications. This consideration comes after previous statements from lawmakers about corruption schemes involving sailors’ documentation, port fees, and kickbacks from cargo operations. Critics assert that Kalashnyk has ignored multiple legislative inquiries and failed to address industry issues. Despite prior scandals, Kalashnyk continues to contemplate appointments of individuals with questionable backgrounds, which require further investigation by law enforcement, journalists conclude.
