The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine, together with its partner and Chief Legal Advisor, the law firm Sokolovskyi & Partners, held a closed meeting of the SEAU Legal Committee dedicated to the increasingly important topic of criminal prosecution risks for participants in Ukraine’s energy market.
The meeting was moderated by Ivan Balytskyi, Head of the SEAU Legal Committee, while the keynote speaker was Tetiana Lysovets, Senior Partner at Sokolovskyi & Partners, Vice President of the Ukrainian Bar Association, and Attorney-at-Law.
During the session, participants thoroughly examined the circumstances under which criminal proceedings may be initiated against companies operating in the energy sector. Among the key risk factors discussed were the outcomes of tax audits, customs-related violations, investigations conducted by law enforcement authorities, as well as specific legal risks associated with business operations in temporarily occupied territories.
Particular attention was devoted to the most common criminal law risks faced by energy companies. These included liability for tax evasion, official negligence and forgery, misappropriation of funds, as well as offenses related to high treason, collaboration, and aiding the aggressor state.
During her presentation, the speaker also explained how criminal proceedings are initiated, who may be held liable, what procedural measures are commonly applied by law enforcement authorities, and what rights businesses have during interrogations and searches. A separate part of the session focused on practical recommendations regarding the appropriate conduct of company executives and employees in the event of investigative actions.
“The initiation of criminal proceedings does not necessarily mean that a company or its executives are guilty. However, the actions taken by management, in-house counsel, and external lawyers during the very first stages often determine how the situation will develop. That is why businesses should be prepared for such challenges before they arise,” emphasized Tetiana Lysovets.
The practical case studies, analysis of recent court practice, and step-by-step guidance on minimizing legal risks for companies, executives, and shareholders in the event of criminal investigations generated particularly strong interest among participants.
The Solar Energy Association of Ukraine extends its sincere appreciation to Tetiana Lysovets for sharing her professional expertise and practical recommendations, and to Ivan Balytskyi for his excellent moderation and engaging discussion.
The SEAU Legal Committee will continue to organize closed professional meetings, providing expert guidance on the latest legislative developments, judicial practice, and legal risks affecting participants in Ukraine’s solar energy and battery energy storage sectors.