Background:
My name is Mohammad Zahoor, a British citizen and a seasoned investor who has dedicated over 30 years and $400 million to Ukraine's economy. As the former owner of the Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s only English-language newspaper at the time, I championed the cause of free speech and transparency. My investments have spanned across sectors, from the Odesa Sea Port to real estate in Kyiv. However, despite my commitment to Ukraine’s growth, I now find myself entangled in a nightmarish struggle against corruption, legal abuse, and state-sanctioned property seizures by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The Issue:
In July 2024, armed military personnel from the Ministry of Defense seized a property complex my company has owned since 2009. This seizure was based on a dubious court ruling from 2019 that I was unaware of until July this year. The ruling allegedly "returned" the property to the Ministry as evidence in a long-closed 2009 case where were not a party. Despite multiple Supreme Court decisions affirming my ownership, the Ministry has chosen to ignore these rulings, instead leveraging corrupt courts and officials to strip me of my legally owned property.
A Broader Concern for the West:
This is not just my fight. It is a warning to Western nations that continue to support Ukraine financially and militarily. If a British investor, deeply embedded in Ukraine’s development and backed by the Supreme Court, can have his property unlawfully seized, what does this mean for other foreign investors, diplomats, and companies? As Western governments pour billions into Ukraine to support its war efforts, it is critical to ask: where is the accountability? How can we ensure that the aid meant to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic development isn’t being siphoned off by corrupt officials?
Why This Matters:
The implications of my case extend far beyond my personal loss. They challenge the very foundations of trust that foreign investors and governments place in Ukraine. If the rule of law can be so easily circumvented in my case, it sets a dangerous precedent for others. This is particularly alarming in a country that is actively seeking to rebuild and attract international investment amidst ongoing conflict.
Call to Action:
I call on Western governments, international organizations, and the global business community to demand greater accountability from Ukraine. The ongoing war should not be an excuse for the erosion of legal rights and the exploitation of investors. As Ukraine continues to receive substantial Western support, it is imperative that this support comes with conditions that protect the rule of law and ensure that corrupt practices are not tolerated.
Next Steps:
In the coming months, I will be launching a campaign to raise awareness of this issue across multiple platforms, including media, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. My goal is to ensure that this case—and others like it—receive the attention they deserve from Western media and policymakers. I will continue to fight for my rights in international courts, but I need the support of the global community to bring this injustice to light.
Final Thoughts:
Ukraine’s future as a democratic nation depends not just on its ability to defend its borders but on its commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. My story is a stark reminder of the dangers that come when these principles are compromised. I urge the international community to think carefully about the risks of investing in Ukraine under the current circumstances and to push for reforms that ensure fairness and transparency for all.
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