HACC allows in absentia investigation into ex-deputy head of Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma and his brother
The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court has allowed a special pre-trial investigation against former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma, his brother Oleh Shurma, and a former official of “Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo” in a case regarding alleged abuses during payments under the “green” tariff.
The decision was made by the Appeals Chamber of the HACC on August 18. The court granted the prosecutor's appeal and overturned the decision of the investigating judge of the HACC dated May 28, 2026, which had previously refused to conduct a special pre-trial investigation.
After that, the panel of judges granted the motion to conduct a special investigation against all three suspects. The decision entered into legal force immediately upon proclamation and is not subject to cassation appeal.
What NABU and SAP are investigating
This concerns criminal proceedings on the alleged embezzlement of funds intended for payments under the “green” tariff to enterprises whose solar power plants are located on the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region.
According to NABU, the total amount of damage caused to the state in the case is 141.3 million UAH. Nine individuals were notified of suspicion in January 2026.
Among the suspects, the anti-corruption bureau named the former deputy head of the Presidential Office, his brother — the owner of a network of Ukrainian and foreign companies, the trusted person of the former high-ranking official, managers and employees of controlled enterprises, as well as the former commercial director of “Zaporizhzhiaoblenergo”.
NABU separately published summonses to Rostyslav and Oleh Shurma to conduct procedural actions in this criminal proceeding.
How the scheme allegedly worked, according to the investigation
The investigation believes that enterprises controlled by the suspects continued to declare electricity production even after the occupation of the territories and received payment under the “green” tariff.
According to NABU and SAP, the electricity did not actually enter the unified energy system of Ukraine. In reports, investigators say, false data was indicated regarding generation volumes and technical readiness of solar power plants, including during periods of complete power outage. The funds received, according to detectives, were subsequently withdrawn through related companies.
Course of Ukraine previously reported on the notification of suspicion in this case. At that time, NABU and SAP stated that the alleged scheme caused damage of 141.3 million UAH.
In February, Rostyslav Shurma and his brother were put on the wanted list. Rostyslav Shurma himself stated that he was in Germany and was ready to cooperate with the investigation remotely.
What the HACC decision means
The permission for a special pre-trial investigation enables law enforcement to continue investigative actions stipulated by criminal procedure regarding suspects in their absence from Ukraine. The Appeals Chamber’s decision itself is not a verdict and does not establish the guilt of the individuals.
The case in the Appeals Chamber of the HACC was considered under No. 991/5928/26.
In accordance with the presumption of innocence, suspects are considered innocent until their guilt is proven in court and established by a conviction.
Sources: Appeals Chamber of the HACC, NABU
