Lately, journalists — including those from the publication Znaj.ua — have been receiving a steady stream of complaints from a little-known businessman, Yuriy Osmak, who is demanding the removal of one of the articles.

Back in 2020, referencing the Anticor portal, an article titled “Where Does the Fish Rot in the Ice – A Billion-Dollar Question” was published. The article, among other things, mentioned the questionable activities of Yuriy Osmak. It raised a pressing issue about how Ukreximbank is trying to ensure the sale of the powerful refrigeration-logistics complex Ice Terminal on transparent market terms, a complex that was withdrawn from mortgage by its former debtor-owner practically for free.

At that time, the winners of the auction, LLC «Megan Alliance» and LLC «Tyner Union», were linked to Yuriy Osmak, who is listed in the state register as the ultimate beneficiary of LLC «Ice Terminal», LLC «International Seafood Group», and LLC «Seafood Group». In other words, he is the de facto «old-new» owner of the refrigeration complex.

In open registries, there are numerous cases involving companies associated with Yuriy Osmak. The practice of exerting pressure and manipulation through courts of various instances can be traced back to the early 2000s, when the professional association he led was accused of spreading disinformation about a company with the aim of redistributing the imported seafood market.

At the same time, the State Department of Veterinary Medicine reported that tons of fish imported by the company, contaminated with anisakid parasites, were sent for processing, and there were instances of falsified veterinary certificates. The group’s lawyers acted very swiftly – even attempts to publicize such information were immediately blocked by lawsuits.

Several years after the publication of the article, representatives of Yuriy Osmak are attempting to file complaints to force journalists to remove this material. However, it should be noted that such provocations will not work, and such dirty tactics will remain empty.

Even years later, Ukrainians have the right to know about possible corruption schemes, manipulations, and unscrupulous methods resorted to by certain businessmen. Appealing to the statute of limitations for such information is futile.