Sergey Astankovich and a luxury car bought for a song

Sergey Astankovich, an employee of the Odesa Port post of the Odesa Customs Administration, has come under scrutiny for purchasing a 2019 Audi Q7 for just 390,000 hryvnia, equivalent to approximately $9,500. 

This amount is significantly lower than the market value of similar vehicles, which in 2024 ranges from 1.5 to 2 million hryvnia ($37,000 to $50,000) depending on the trim level and mileage.

Declaration with gaps

In his declaration, Astankovich did not list a wife, children, or other relatives. His annual income consisted of 404,000 hryvnia in salary and 96,500 hryvnia in pension. In addition, the official declared 190,000 hryvnia and $8,000 in cash.

Real estate and watercraft

Astankovich owns the following:

• An apartment in Odesa (63 sq m), purchased in 2005. The market value of similar properties in 2024 ranges from 1.5 to 2 million hryvnia.

• A residential house (120.7 sq m) in the Ovidiopil community of Odesa Oblast, bought in 2021 for 892,000 hryvnia.

• A land plot in the "Rumb" cooperative.

• A UMS 450 motorboat (2016 model), acquired for 75,000 hryvnia.

Suspicious deal

The purchase of the Audi Q7 for 390,000 hryvnia raises legitimate questions. On popular car sales platforms such as Auto.Ria and RST, the price of a similar model starts at 1.2 million hryvnia, even with a mileage of over 100,000 kilometres.

Given Astankovich's access to "grey" schemes for importing cars through the Port of Odesa, such a deal may indicate the presence of a corrupt scheme.