The sizeable criminal law practice of Asters handles a broad spectrum of white-collar crimes, with particular focus on tax evasion, fraud, bribery, corruption, and forensic matters. The team represents both international and domestic companies, as well as politically exposed individuals, in high-stakes cross-border proceedings involving business crime, anti-corruption compliance, and abuse of office. The firm is active in cases regarding misappropriation of assets, environmental violations, and international fraud linked to pre-nationalization bank embezzlement, as well criminal proceeding related to the cyberattacks. Among the public clients are PrivatBank and Irish Bank Resolution Corporation Limited (IBRC). One of the largest market teams includes Viktor Duma, Volodymyr Tkachenko, Igor Voronov, Olha Yurchenko, Tatiana Popovska, Volodymyr Boriak. Counsel Sviatoslav Ogreba leads the firm’s forensic practice. The practice is headed by partner Sergiy Grebenyuk, who is actively involved in cross-border criminal cases. Counsel Orest Stasiuk also plays an important role in the team.

AVER LEX maintains a strong position in white-collar crime, regularly representing clients in high-profile economic cases involving senior politicians, high-net-worth individuals, and public officials, while also advising major corporate clients and institutions. The firm provides legal aid to military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and their family members on a wide variety of issues, including matters related to enlistment, discharge from military service, processing payments in connection with injuries or death, and the defense of service personnel in criminal proceedings regarding alleged military crimes, etc. Recent high-profile cases included representing Gizo Uglava, first deputy director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), in proceedings involving alleged abuse of office and defamation; defending Yaroslav Dubnevych against embezzlement charges put forward by NABU; protecting the leadership of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority in a case regarding abuse of power. In a landmark humanitarian effort, the firm volunteers as legal counsel at the Coordination Headquarters for Prisoners of War and handles on collect evidence, supports detainee families, and provides legal aid in release, identification, and reintegration efforts. Olga Prosyanyuk, managing partner, acts in a multitude of challenging cases, showcasing especially strong performance in anti-corruption proceedings. Renowned Vitaliy Serdyuk heads the defense counsel group in landmark proceedings, especially protecting the interests of military personnel, including those in captivity or who are missing in action. Artem Drozdov took over the leadership of a number of economic and corporate crime matters. Andriana Fozekosh covers the firm’s military personnel defense practice. 

The highly-committed Benchers Law Firm handles sophisticated white-collar and anti-corruption proceedings. This well-versed team is increasingly active in representing renowned political figures whose sensitive cases are being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, as well as owners and top-managers of international and national companies. The team defends a former Ukrainian minister in criminal proceedings on the fact of taking public funds through abuse of office, as well as in the preparation and issuance of deliberately false official documents by an official. Another highlight is representing a Member of Parliament of Ukraine in a high-profile criminal proceeding involving allegations of bribery of senior officials. The team is headed by Oleh Valendiuk, a prominent expert with extensive experience in leading positions at state authorities. Prominent Olga Shapovalova combines her successful research background and rigorous law practice with high-profile cases. Oleksandr Mykytenko covers multi-jurisdictional economic and white-collar crime cases. Pavlo Otvinovskyj, new hire, provides a comprehensive approach to a defense strategy in high-profile anti-corruption proceedings. 

EQUITY, a Ukrainian dispute resolution firm, excels in handling complex, high-stakes domestic and international criminal trials, complemented by extensive domestic and international disputes practice. The team historically commands an impressive portfolio of WCC landmark representations of officials from the government sector and business leaders, as well as business owners. The past year’s portfolio includes cases on representation of an official body of NAK Naftogaz Ukraine; 2 former MPs of Ukraine; ex-minister of infrastructure, ex-chairmen of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2017-2018). In 2024, the team continued its representation of Andriy Kobolyev, ex-chairman of the board of NJSC Naftogaz Ukraine in two criminal cases initiated by National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine in connection with allegations of financial fraud, falsification of and signing of documents on extra payments (bonuses) for himself and his employees. The team represented Valery Patskan, former Chairman of the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, in a high-profile case where he was found guilty of abuse of office but released due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Furthermore, the team provides legal aid to Ihor Mazepa, the founder and CEO of Concorde Capital, in criminal proceedings regarding land plots in Kyiv Region. The firm’s sizeable criminal practice is headed by outstanding partners, namely Taras Poshyvanuyk, Viacheslav Krahlevych and Oleksandr Lysak. The next generation team includes Bohdan Slobodyan, Rodion Kokosh and Oksana Varakina.

ADVANQ increased its white-collar crime practice with the primary focus being on defense of owners and beneficiaries of Ukrainian and foreign companies, as well as top officials. A core strength of the practice lies in its effective management of criminal cases involving the execution and performance of defense contracts. The team is defending a group of defense suppliers in criminal proceedings for supplying goods at inflated prices and providing undue benefit through the supplying of low-quality goods. The team also defends a top executive of state-owned company accused of misappropriating through questionable procurement and also represents Oleksii Salnikov, former head of the State Judicial Administration, in a case of incitement to judges of the Supreme Court of Ukraine and fraud. The practice head is partner Roksolana Lukinchuk. Counsel Ivan Kostiuk is an important team member.

Ario Law Firm is a highly-regarded counsel in criminal law, known for its effective defense of high-profile political figures, business leaders, and public officials. Led by a reputable partner Yevhen Hrushovets, the team handles complex cases involving fraud, embezzlement, corruption, misconduct, and business protection. Key cases include representing Andriy Sadovyi, major of the city of Lviv, in a criminal procedure on abuse of power; representing Serhiy Pashynskyi, a former Member of Parliament for four terms and a former head of the Presidential Administration, accused of allegedly misappropriating oil products confiscated in 2014, causing nearly UAH 1 billion in damages to the state of Ukraine; defending a former director of a state enterprise, charged with embezzlement, misappropriation, or conversion of another’s property through abuse of office. Ario represents Mikheil Saakashvili, a Ukrainian citizen, in an extradition case involving allegations of political persecution, providing international legal assistance, challenging mistreatment by the Georgian authorities, and engaging with European diplomats and the ECHR to advocate for his return to Ukraine.

Deeply focused on criminal law, Barristers attorneys at law provide defense for politicians, business leaders, government officials, private companies, and top executives in high-profile criminal proceedings involving corruption, fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion as well as acted in sanctions-related procedures. The firm also represents victims to ensure their rights are protected throughout the criminal process. The team also offers legal support to military personnel and their families, including advisory services on war crimes and related legal matters. Notable cases include legal defense for Natalia Perets, director of Stanislavska Trade Company LLC, in the VAB Bank case over misappropriation; representing a military commander and law-enforcement officers accused of exceeding their powers during armed incidents; safeguarding the rights of municipal officials accused of embezzlement and other crimes. The most high-profile public cases are handled by partners Elvira Lazarenko, Andriy Yosypov, Yuriy Radziyevskyi, Oleksandr Shadrin. Oleksandr Tananakin, known for his defense in many high-profile resonant criminal proceedings, was appointed as managing partner, while Kostyantyn Globa left the firm. 

EVERLEGAL continued to strengthen its criminal law practice, with a clear focus on white-collar crime, economic offenses, and tax-related criminal proceedings. The team is particularly active in defending businesses against abuse of power by government authorities and represents major clients, including leading global steelmakers, gambling companies, in complex criminal tax disputes. For example, the team also continued providing legal representation in complex criminal cases related to tax payments for natural resources. The firm is also involved in several high-profile criminal proceedings, including a case regarding allegations of unlawful benefits received by senior management. In 2024, the practice expanded with the addition of partner Taras Ivanenko (previously – LES attorneys at law), who leads the anti-corruption and white-collar crime work. Oleksandr Ruzhytskyi serves as the lead partner of the criminal defense practice.

Globa&Globa is a new brand name on the Ukrainian legal market. The firm was founded by Kostyantyn Globa, former managing partner of Barristers and his brother Artem Globa. The main practice is criminal law, with a special focus on cases related to official misconduct, anti-corruption, war crimes and crimes against national security. Among the recent notable cases is representing former officials of VAB Bank in criminal proceedings related to the provision of a stabilization loan. Leading practitioner Kostyantyn Globa is known for his proactive strategies in criminal proceedings. 

Ukrainian criminal law boutique Gracers Law Firm focuses on a wide range of white-collar crime matters, including bribery, abuse of office, crimes by public officials, corporate and commercial fraud, financial and forensic investigations, and offenses involving senior military personnel. Over the past year, the team continued to represent Roman Chervinsky, who is accused of unauthorized wartime operations, in a landmark case involving state secrets and political pressure, securing his release on bail and compelling witness testimony from Ukraine’s top military leadership; defended OHMATDYT children’s hospital in investigations over the misuse of charitable funds, ensuring protection of its leadership and helping recover USD 10 million in donations. The team defended Novaform, official distributor of air conditioning and heating systems in Ukraine from the leading global brands, in an asset seizure case in a criminal tax investigation, setting precedent for protection against illegal prosecutorial overreach. Managing partner Serhii Lysenko is an experienced criminal defense attorney who guides the team. Liudmyla Kusa is significantly involved in providing protection in criminal trials. 

Grain Law Firm (the firm was previously a part of Leshchenko, Doroshenko & Partners) demonstrates a robust portfolio of cases and focuses on defending high-profile individuals and corporations in criminal proceedings involving allegations of fraud, corruption, tax evasion, financial mismanagement, treason, etc. Over the past year, the team has handled some of Ukraine’s most complex and high-profile legal matters involving prominent political figures, public officials, and major corporations: provided strategic defense for Vadym Novynskyi, former MP and founder of Smart Holding, challenging sanctions-related asset seizures in a politically-charged treason case; represents Oleksiy Kushch, former acting chairman of UKRNAFTA JSC, and other employees in a high-profile USD 458 million financial fraud case, mounting a comprehensive defense to counter allegations of misappropriation. The firm represents Oleksiy Kostusiev, former Head of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine and former mayor of Odesa, in a high-profile USD 70 million financial fraud and extradition case, and opposed the extradition of ex-Constitutional Court Chairman Oleksandr Tupitskyy from Austria. Kostiantyn Doroshenko, managing partner, is recognized as a prominent expert in white-collar crime and anti-corruption. Partner Oleksandr Teleshetskiy is renowned for his expertise in business defense and criminal law, Lidiia Karpliuk is experienced in criminal, civil, and commercial law. 

Miller Law Firm has a robust and experienced practice in white-collar crime, compliance, and investigations. The firm specializes in defending businesses in complex economic, corporate, and corruption-related criminal cases, and provides support in internal investigations, crisis management, Interpol matters, ECHR applications, and cross-border compliance and international defense projects. During the reporting period, the team handled сomplex, high-stakes matters. Highlights include representing a former Naftogaz CEO, Andriy Kobolyev, in criminal proceedings over a USD 10.1 million bonus, and the defense of ex-MPs Oleksandr Hranovskyi, accused in a major NABU corruption case related to the Odesa Portside Plant, mounting a defense focused on disproving politically-motivated allegations, securing a landmark court ruling that canceled the suspicion notice, while also pursuing defense before the ECHR and Interpol with international legal support. The firm also led defense efforts for officials of Alliance Bank, combating allegations of economic crimes and launching appeals before the ECHR. In the business defense sector, the firm thwarted a USD 3.5 million raider attack on a Kyiv-based property and defended logistics and defense contractors from unlawful seizures. The team is highly active in war-related matters, and protects activists like Mariia Berlinska, the organizers of the Chernihiv drone exhibition. The firm represented the family of murdered activist Kateryna Handziuk, securing the conviction of both the perpetrators and organizers, including high-ranking officials, of the acid attack that led to her death. The practice is led by Artem Krykun-Trush, a partner who combines deep expertise in both private sector advisory and high-level public service. He is supported by a sizeable team of attorneys, among others, senior associates Illia Vorobiov, Anna Kalynchuk, and Vyacheslav Kolomiychuk. 

The criminal law practice at Riyako & Partners has undergone dynamic growth, driven by a surge in white-collar crime cases and a strategic focus on business protection. The firm has significantly expanded its expertise in defending businesses against pressure from law-enforcement agencies, particularly in cases involving alleged violations in public procurement for military needs and infrastructure construction. A distinct feature of the practice is its extensive work in the military sector, where the firm handles a wide range of complex and high-stakes criminal matters. The recent portfolio includes representation in cases related to fraud, unlawful possession of property, creation and leadership of criminal organizations, extortion, premeditated murder, treason, collaboration, desertion, abuse of office. The practice is led by Evgen Riyako, managing partner. Oleksandr Shevtsov is a key figure in separate criminal defense and business protection cases. 

Sayenko Kharenko’s white-collar criminal defense practice specializes in representing high-profile companies and high-net-worth individuals in complex criminal matters, including investigations, enforcement actions, and internal inquiries. The firm provides comprehensive legal support on corporate crime, tax evasion, embezzlement, fraud, and compliance programs. In response to growing cross-border and wartime challenges, the practice has expanded its expertise in sanctions-related defense, asset recovery, anti-corruption proceedings, and cybersecurity-related criminal cases. Among public highlights over the research period was securing a court decision lifting the freezing of VEON’s corporate rights and related restrictions in a high-profile criminal proceeding; acting in a high-profile criminal proceedings against the Asset Recovery and Management Agency of Ukraine and other relevant individuals in several law-enforcement agencies (the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine and other), in a case related to challenging an unlawful sale of the land plots owned by Auchan and Ceetrus. The client list has well-known names, such as Dyckerhoff, BOLT, Betonenergo Group, Preply, Playtika, Sense Bank, etc. Yevhen Myroshnykov and Bogdan Golovko are actively involved in client representations. Counsel Zlata Simonenko has been appointed a national expert for the “Monitoring of War Crimes Trials” project, led by the UBA and USAID, where she contributed to evaluating judicial practices in war crimes cases in Ukraine for compliance with international human rights standards. Sergiy Smirnov is a lead partner.

Kharkiv and Kyiv-based Shkrebets & Partners is engaged in defending clients across multiple criminal cases, including those involving allegations in offering undue benefit to a person holding a particularly responsible position, negligence, property misappropriation, and budget fund embezzlement, receiving undue benefit, illegal handling of weapons. The criminal defense team is supervised by partner Oleksii Meniv. Ruslan Bekuzarov and Serhii Mufazalov are actively involved in client representations.

ADER HABER represents business entities and private clients in white-collar crime proceedings, with core expertise in cases involving fraud, money laundering, asset misappropriation and theft, tax evasion, fictitious bankruptcy, abuse of authority, negligence, and illicit enrichment. It also provides legal protection for public figures facing politically-motivated prosecutions. The team has experience handling matters involving Interpol and supports clients in conducting internal investigations. The firm recently handled the defense of top managers and managers of Kyivgaz JSP in criminal proceedings following an explosion in a building in the city of Kyiv, as a result of which five people died; represented SE Elitne as a victim in a criminal case on the withdrawal of funds by its employees via the conclusion of fictitious contracts. The team also acted in the framework of criminal proceedings on damage caused by the Russian military invasion. The practice is co-headed by Eleonora Yemets and Volodymyr Babichev.

ARMADA’s criminal practice team represents clients in fraud, misappropriation, tax evasion, and abuse of office charges. High-profile projects include: acquittal of a municipal official falsely accused of embezzling defense funds; closure of proceedings against a foreign company in a VAT case; defense of an IT company accused of unauthorized system access, resulting in full acquittal; resolution of a public procurement dispute involving USD 40 million in equipment purchases; legal support for an agricultural enterprise wrongly accused of illegal land use; defense in a crypto investment fraud case, proving that losses were market-driven. Oleksandr Kuznietsov is lead partner with core input from Andrii Ivanets and Viktor Dasiuk.

AZONES has strengthened its criminal law practice, with a strategic focus on expanding into human rights protection, national security, military law, and anti-corruption defense. The firm is actively involved in complex criminal proceedings, including defense in fraud and abuse of power matters. The practice is led by partner Mykola Miahkov, who has been with the firm since July 2024.

The criminal law practice of ESQUIRES offers defense of businesses in interactions with regulatory and law-enforcement bodies, including risk mitigation in day-to-day operations, representation at all stages of criminal proceedings, and support for victims in criminal cases. The firm also assists in matters involving Interpol. Recent projects include defending a pharmaceutical plant in a criminal investigation, appealing a notice of suspicion under allegations of fraud, and advising a client pursued by the Security Service of Ukraine for alleged crimes against national security. The practice is led by partner Opanas Karlin.

In 2024, Gramatskiy & Partners provided legal protection in complex criminal proceedings involving alleged embezzlement, tax evasion, abuse of office, fraudulent contracting, cyber fraud, and forging of documents. Other representations included cross-border narcotics allegation, abuse of office related to public procurement activities, defense against asset freezing of cryptocurrency holdings. The white-collar defense practice is led by Ernest Gramatskiy, while Olexandr Koval led the firm’s business defense practice. The team includes Andrii Trembich, Denys Boginich, Borys Karas, Volodymyr Khomenko and Ihor Kasianov.

Hillmont Partners has a well-versed dispute resolution practice, including white-collar crimes and cross-border matters, advising corporate clients on fraud prevention and response to fraud, investigating assets in different jurisdictions. The team advises Argentem Creek Partners in criminal proceeding regarding embezzlement of funds committed by GNT Group, a group of companies that owns and operates a grain port terminal called Olimpex Coupe International and a bulk good terminal, Metalsukraine, in Odesa. The firm also represents Serhii Totsky, a former top manager at Ukrenergo, in criminal proceedings related to alleged abuse of power, successfully securing the cancellation of a serious charge and reducing the case to official negligence, with ongoing defense in the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court. It also represents an investor in criminal proceeding regarding raider seizure of business in the chicken production field under the EPIKUR trademark, and defends another Ukrainian investor in criminal proceeding related to money laundering on an especially large scale and large-scale fraud. The practice is led by counsel Oleksii Myagkyi. Partners Yurii Melnyk and Anatolii Kovalenko coordinate the white-collar crime work for clients in the Lviv and Odesa offices, respectively.

Ilyashev & Partners’ criminal law practice is known for its deep involvement in high-value cases involving public officials, business leaders, and large corporations. The team operates across key regional offices and advises on a broad range of criminal matters, including treason, fraud, money laundering, and regulatory offenses. The practice has notably expanded its scope, handling cases related to collaborationism, defense procurement fraud, and sanctions. It is experienced in defending the accused and protecting victims, while also managing complex cross-border investigations, extradition, and asset recovery matters. In a recent highlight, the firm ensured the protection of Marline LLC’s interests by initiating a criminal case over a USD 4.3 million export fraud scheme involving 80 containers of water disguised as sunflower oil, exposing deceit by Ukrainian companies and potential VAT reimbursement violations. The firm represents Ince Berkay, a Turkish citizen, in one of the largest real estate fraud cases in Odesa, involving unauthorized registration of 63 non-existent apartments based on forged documents, pursuing both criminal proceedings against a state registrar for abuse of power and civil claims to recover debts from the debtor’s heir. Other public clients of the firm include Ferrexpo AG, Plant 410 CA, First Kyiv Machine-Building Plant, PZU Ukraine, etc. In February 2025 counsel Kostiantyn Kryvenko was promoted to head of the firm’s criminal law practice. Volodymyr Adonin is another key practice team member.

LCF Law Group’s criminal law practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in complex white-collar crime proceedings, including those involving cross-border transactions, evading sanctions, property seizure, misappropriation of public funds, digital assets, etc. The team has a strong track record in preventing unlawful interference by law-enforcement, challenging state actions, and securing acquittals and case closures. The practice team successfully overturned the asset seizure of mobile operator lifecell, hereby unblocking Ukraine’s largest recent investment deal and clearing the way for lifecell’s USD 500+ million acquisition by NJJ Capital. In response to wartime conditions, the practice expanded to support military personnel and civilians affected by Russian aggression, combining criminal defense with human rights and humanitarian law expertise. The firm also engages in pro bono initiatives and legal reform efforts related to martial law and future damage recovery. The dedicated practice was headed by partner Maksym Sheverdin.[1] Another key team member, Anastasiia Didenko, was promoted to counsel in July 2024.

White-collar crime and business protection are key areas of focus at Ukrainian law firm MORIS, with the team specializing in defending clients in cases involving corruption, property-related offenses such as bribery and fraud, economic crimes, as well as war and military-related offenses. The firm has been enhancing its expertise in military law, including its application in certain criminal proceedings, and actively contributes to legislative reforms aimed at establishing combat immunity and legal protections for members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against criminal liability for lawful actions taken amid the chaos of combat. The team also advises on corporate business security, specifically focusing on prevention of criminal and procedural risks, connected with the structure of business or separate business processes. The client portfolio includes the highest military command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, members of Parliament of Ukraine, officials of the Government of Ukraine, the owners and top-management of a large business, officials of state bodies and organizations. The firm defended the largest tobacco distributor, Tedis Ukraine, and its top management against tax evasion allegations to the tune of over USD 8 million. Partners Stanislav Peliuk and Tetiana Honchariuk acted as co-heads of WCC and business protection practice. 

Sokolovskyi & Partners is well-recognized for its criminal law expertise, particularly in defending parties against tax evasion allegations. New fields include cases of actions aimed at assisting an aggressor country, threats to national security, war and military crimes. The firm’s criminal practice also handles a broad range of cases including defense against charges related to embezzlement, abuse of power or official position, misappropriation of company assets, and forgery by officials. Senior partner Tetiana Lysovets leads the criminal practice. 

Vdovychen & Partners, is traditionally retained for criminal matters. The team represented clients in cases involving corporate raiding, abuse of office, embezzlement, and misappropriation of property. The team also represented clients in criminal investigations over debt recovery under construction contracts and intellectual property violations. Another key highlight was legal defense in a case under Article 111-2 of the Criminal Code (assisting an aggressor state), securing the return of seized property. The firm also defended bank officials in liability cases following liquidation. Oleg Vdovychen, managing partner, plays a pivotal role in the firm.

The criminal law practice of Odesa-based AS Legal, led by partner Diana Yakovleva, focuses on defending clients in economic, business, and public administration matters, as well as representing victims in pro bono criminal cases. The team has recently provided legal support in cases involving the illegal misappropriation of funds by a former chief accountant and represented enterprises affected by the unlawful actions of officials.

The Kyiv office of Baker McKenzie is a trusted advisor to international corporations and their Ukrainian offices, particularly in high-stakes, cross-border investigations. The team regularly assists companies, financial institutions, officers, and directors in criminal inquiries and prosecutions, offering strategic advice on privileged information, self-reporting, governance, and internal controls. The practice is led by dispute resolution partner Ihor Siusel, with Ievgen Bidnyi, senior associate, playing a key role in implementation.

Odesa-based Consulting Firm Dominanta provides legal assistance to high-net-worth individuals, top executives, government officials, and corporations involved in criminal and regulatory investigations. Notable highlights include a case involving fortification construction contracts; a cross-border asset recovery case in the U.S. and multiple cases involving allegations of tax evasion and embezzlement. The firm provided legal support to officials of Odesa Regional State Administration and the leadership of 22 construction firms in a NABU investigation into alleged abuse of power and misappropriation regarding USD 70 million worth of defense fortification contracts. In July 2024, Oleksiy Natalchenko was hired as head of the firm’s practice. Vitaly Gritsik is the responsible partner. 

INTEGRITES’ white-collar crimes practice operates a wide-ranging portfolio encompassing money laundering, insider trading, bribery, corruption, and sanctions. A selected highline during the research period is defending a Ukrainian serviceman against unjust criminal charges brought by military command. Moreover, the firm’s recent caseload includes defending clients against unfounded tax evasion allegations and representing them in high-stakes criminal investigations concerning alleged threats to Ukraine’s economic and information security. Counsel Mykola Nychyporuk rejoined the team in spring 2024. Overseen by domestic litigation partner Oleksandr Onishchenko, he leads the reorganized white-collar crime practice, which collaborates closely with the business protection, compliance, and anti-corruption team, headed by counsel Kristina Shyposha. 

Investment Lawyer Group offers legal defense and representation for both individuals and businesses involved in criminal proceedings. The firm’s key areas of focus include protection in cases related to fraud, tax evasion, unlawful possession of property.

Kinstellar Kyiv’s team advises on local and cross-border investigations, devises emergency response strategies, assesses global risks and counsels clients on complex issues, including the application of international sanctions and national regulations. The team supports companies in critical regulatory areas such as anti-money laundering and anti-corruption compliance, including under the US FCPA and the UK Bribery Act. Olexander Martinenko, partner in the Kyiv office and the firm-wide head of dispute resolution, is the core contact.

KM Partners is widely recognized for its deep expertise in taxation law and has a strong track record in defending clients in criminal tax evasion cases. The firm has, over recent years, successfully represented numerous company officials, often achieving acquittals or case closures at the pre-trial stage. The firm is a pioneer on the issue of appealing the legality of court rulings on the appointment of a tax audit delivered by investigating judges. The practice is led by Alexander Minin, luminary expert in taxation.

LA Law Firm (Legal Alliance till 2023) provides comprehensive defense in white-collar crime and criminal cases, with notable clientele from pharmaceutical sector, state officials, top managers, military personnel. The firm’s caseload includes high-profile criminal proceedings involving allegations of corruption, embezzlement of public procurement funds, misappropriation of property through abuse of official position, etc. The team also handles cases related to the unlawful seizure and misappropriation of medicines, often involving public officials accused of abusing their authority. One highlight case involves representing a pharmaceutical manufacturer in a transnational criminal investigation into the large-scale falsification of medicines, where an organized group produced and distributed counterfeit drugs — complete with fake packaging and trademarks — across Ukraine and 18 other countries. Maryna Mkrtycheva, who re-joined the firm as head of business protection and WCC practice is actively engaged in high-profile cases, boosted the firm’s portfolio. Vitalii Savchuk acts as a responsible partner.

The criminal law practice at Prikhodko & Partners focuses on cases involving military-related offenses (e.g., desertion, UA), fraud (including cryptocurrency scams), tax evasion, abuse of office, and anti-corruption cases. Recent experience includes defending a client in the High Anti-Corruption Court against asset recovery claims by SAPO; forcing law-enforcement agencies to launch an investigation in a wartime fraud case after police inaction; defending a client in a border-related case involving alleged use of forged documents. Artem Kovalev heads the practice.

New domestic market player ProfiLegal offers comprehensive legal support to corporate clients, top executives, and beneficial owners in criminal proceedings involving economic and financial crimes. Over the past year, the firm acted as lead counsel in several criminal investigations involving some of Ukraine’s largest corporate taxpayers. Key mandates include representing Development Construction Holding LLC in proceedings over alleged tax evasion, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering; defense SkhidGasEnergo LLC in a case regarding alleged misappropriation of natural gas and tax evasion on energy sales; and representing Sukha Balka PJSC in an investigation into alleged underpayment of rent for use of natural resources. The firm’s managing partner is Yuliia Kalova, the firm’s CEO is Viktoriia Levchenko.

The comprehensive series of in-depth interviews highlighted criminal defense attorneys and law firms that were notably active in handling significant cases during the researched period.[2]

Arzinger* is widely-recognized and actively preferred by the corporate sector. Among the firm’s recent highlights is the successful defense of Shell’s corporate rights in the High Anti-Corruption Court, where the team secured a ruling upholding Shell’s ownership of 97.44% in Alliance Holding LLC. Kateryna Gupalo, partner, enjoys a remarkable reputation on the market.

White-collar crime and investigations boutique VB PARTNERS* is recognized for its high-profile cases involving fraud, money laundering, asset misappropriation, tax evasion, and corporate investigations. The firm also handles extradition and Interpol matters and is a leading criminal law advisor in the banking sector, representing shareholders and top executives in complex, often anti-corruption-related cases. The key figures are Denys Bugay, Oleksandr Lukianenko, and Denys Shkarovsky.

Amber Law Company*, guided by Semen Khanin, has a strong track record on anti-corruption proceedings and business-related offenses.

Andriy Fortunenko from AVELLUM*, Nazar Kuchytskyy from Nazar Kulchytskyy and Partners*, Angelika Moiseeva from GOLAW*, are among other law firms referred for active criminal law practice.

[1] In July 2025 Maksym Sheverdin joined PrivatBank.

[2] The firms marked with * have not submitted information for the current research. The highlights were taken from the public sources to underscore their market presence, a fact consistently confirmed during in-depth interviews.