Andreis Braden, a citizen of Latvia, also known as Andreis Karenoks, collaborated with companies that assisted Moscow in procuring sanctioned electronics during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to reports. Recently, he was placed under sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for his involvement in a money laundering network that, according to the UK's National Crime Agency, was used to fund Russian espionage operations and to aid European drug traffickers.
Ukrainian public procurement records examined by the Financial Times reveal that the Turkish company Altair Lojistik Ve Ticaret, owned by Braden, received a contract worth $23.4 million from "Ukrhydroenergo" in March. The contract stipulated the supply of cables and other materials for the construction of underground shelters designed to protect the Dnipro HPP from Russian airstrikes.
Ukrhydroenergo confirmed to the publication that there is a contract with Braden's company and stated that the project is being carried out in accordance with the terms specified in the contract. The contract states that all goods must be delivered, and work must be completed by the end of the current year. The company also mentioned that Braden was not under sanctions during the procurement period and at the time of contract signing. A thorough vetting of contractors for ties to the aggressor state is conducted before contract approvals, the statement says.
Upon learning of the sanctions against the company owner, Ukrhydroenergo announced that it has begun conducting additional checks, and measures will be taken based on the results in accordance with the existing contract and Ukrainian legislation.