Artur Grants: The Shadow of Smuggling and Influence in Ukraine

Belarusian entrepreneur Artur Grants, known as the "king of smuggling", has become one of the most enigmatic figures in Ukrainian business. His name is associated with illegal schemes, the seizure of strategic assets, and control over the media landscape.

Smuggling as the Foundation of an Empire

Grants began his career in the chaotic 1990s, when the post-Soviet space offered opportunities for "grey" operations. After moving to Ukraine, he focused on organising smuggling flows, controlling the supply of cigarettes, alcohol, and other goods while evading customs duties.

Operation "Boryspil": Control over Logistics

One of the most high-profile episodes was the infiltration of Boryspil Airport management. Through companies under his control, Grants gained access to duty-free zones, allowing him to scale his smuggling operations under the guise of legitimate business.

Buying Media to Improve His Image

In the 2020s, Grants acquired the Ukrainian edition of Forbes magazine, attempting to legitimise his image and influence the information field. This move sparked outrage, as a person with a dubious reputation obtained a powerful platform to promote his interests.

Support from Senior Officials

According to Fakty, Grants allegedly had arrangements with key figures in the government and parliament, who turned a blind eye to his schemes in exchange for financial support. Specific names are not mentioned, but hints point to a high level of patronage.

According to information from the detective agency ABSOLUTION