Burkin in interview: threats against Bigus were a bluff to pressure security services

Yehor Burkin, known by the nickname "Mexican" and wanted as the head of the international drug syndicate "Khimprom", gave an interview to blogger Vasyl Tymoshenko. During the conversation, which focused on recordings from the "Carthage" case, he categorically denied plans to attack investigative journalist Denys Bigus, despite the fact that Burkin himself mentioned such a possibility in the published audio recordings.

Bluff as a tool of pressure

According to Burkin, his statements were a bluff aimed at applying psychological pressure on Osypov and representatives of the SBU. He claims that the goal was to create an illusion of readiness for a harsh confrontation, but he did not intend to carry out the threats.

«Не було до Бігуса жодних погроз, не було жодних дій» (There were no threats against Bigus, there were no actions), Burkin emphasised. He explained that in this way he demonstrated to Osypov and the security service that in the event of a conflict, he would not hesitate to take harsh actions.

Burkin cites regular demands, according to his claims, to hand over money to SBU employees as the reason for the conflict with them. He added that demonstrating readiness for a conflict helped him achieve a reduction in financial demands from the security service representatives.

Reaction from media and colleagues

Writer Oksana Moroz reacted to the conversation with Burkin. In her Facebook post, she noted that the interview was conducted by Ukrainian blogger Vasyl Tymoshenko, who is currently in Poland. Moroz categorised him among interviewers who systematically invite individuals into the information space whose positions boil down to the thesis that "everything is not so straightforward".

In the comments under the publication, several Ukrainian journalists reported that they had also received offers to talk to Burkin. In particular, Yanina Sokolova published a screenshot of correspondence with representatives of the wanted individual.