"Turnkey Criminal Cases": Will the Scheme Change After Portnov's Murder?

Former Ukrainian politician and lawyer Andriy Portnov, known for his role in corruption schemes and influence over the judicial system, was shot dead in Madrid on May 21, 2025. His death has raised questions: will the corrupt empire he built over the years collapse, or will it continue to operate like a well-oiled machine? While Spanish police search for answers, Ukrainian society wonders if this could be a chance for genuine judicial reform.

Who Was Andriy Portnov and Why Is His Death Important?Andriy Portnov is not just a name but a symbol of corruption in the Ukrainian judicial system. He worked for Yulia Tymoshenko, Viktor Yanukovych, and other influential figures, but gained true “fame” as the “shadow curator” of the courts. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Portnov had “extensive connections in the Ukrainian justice and law enforcement systems through bribes,” which allowed him to “resolve” judicial matters and undermine reforms. He was accused of treason, involvement in the annexation of Crimea, and manipulating the courts, particularly through the development of the “dictatorship laws” of 2014.

Portnov had connections with high-ranking officials, such as Oleh Tatarov, deputy head of President Zelensky’s Office, indicating the depth of his influence (Anti-Corruption Center). Even after fleeing to Russia and Vienna, he continued to impact Ukrainian politics through the pro-Russian channel NewsOne and his contacts. His murder is not just the loss of one person but a potential blow to the networks he had built over the years.

Consequences of the Murder: A Chance for Reform or Another Plot Twist?Portnov’s death has sparked lively discussions among experts about its impact on corruption in Ukraine. Some see this as an opportunity for change. Oleksiy Holobutskyi, for example, notes: “His murder could become a catalyst for real judicial reform if the information he kept in bank vaults is revealed” (Comments.ua). He suggests that Portnov may have had compromising material on many influential people, and its disclosure could expose corrupt schemes.

Volodymyr Tsybulko also highlights Portnov’s connections with Tatarov and others, noting that his death could disrupt these networks (Comments.ua). This could lead to temporary chaos in corrupt circles, as Portnov was a key “conductor” of judicial manipulations.

However, not all experts are so optimistic. Taras Zahorodniy believes that Portnov’s death is unlikely to destroy the corrupt system, as it depends not on one person but on an entire network of judges, prosecutors, and officials (Telegraf). He suggests that the murder may have been related to business or criminal conflicts rather than a fight against corruption. Oleh Saakyan adds that Portnov’s death may be linked to his pro-Russian activities, but this does not necessarily affect the judicial system (Telegraf).

Expert Opinions Table:

Expert	Opinion	Potential Impact
Oleksiy Holobutskyi	Death may facilitate reforms if Portnov’s compromising material is revealed	Exposure of schemes, judicial reform
Volodymyr Tsybulko	Death may disrupt networks connected to Tatarov	Temporary chaos in corrupt circles
Taras Zahorodniy	The corrupt system will remain; death is due to business or criminal disputes	Minimal impact on the system
Oleh Saakyan	Possible involvement of Russia, but impact on corruption is doubtful	Changes unlikely without systemic reforms

Will the Corruption Scheme Collapse?Portnov was a master of “turnkey criminal cases,” knowing how to open the right case, select the judge, or prosecutor. But his death does not mean the automatic end of this system. Corruption in Ukraine is not a one-man project but a complex network involving judges, lawyers, and officials, many of whom were appointed with his assistance. Even after his flight from Ukraine in 2022, his influence remained significant, as confirmed by U.S. sanctions.

There is a chance that Portnov’s death will lead to the disclosure of his assets or information that could expose other participants in the schemes. For example, he recently transferred a mansion in Kozyn worth 2.5 million euros to his children (Telegraf), which may indicate preparation for potential risks. If this information or other compromising materials become public, it could push for reforms.

However, without systemic changes—transparency in the courts, judicial independence, and the fight against oligarchic influence—corruption will persist. Portnov’s death may only temporarily weaken certain connections, but new “curators” could quickly take his place.

Conclusion: A Chance for Change or Another Act in the Drama?The murder of Andriy Portnov is not just news but a reminder of how deeply corruption has penetrated the Ukrainian judicial system. His death could open the door to reforms if society and law enforcement seize the opportunity to expose his schemes. But without active citizen participation and systemic changes, the corrupt machine will continue to operate.

Do you have questions about this story or your own legal issues? Write in the comments—let’s figure it out together. If the matter is urgent or you’ve been turned away when trying to handle it alone, call lawyer Molchanov at +38 (073) 048-57-84. Schemes may be eternal, but a way out can be found.

Keywords:corruption, judicial system, Portnov, murder, reform, Ukraine, schemes, influence, networks, experts