Evgen Riyako, CEO of the law firm RIYAKO & PARTNERS, shared his vision on the changing approach of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) toward the private sector. The discussion covers the transition from targeted inspections to systemic partnership through business associations, the protection of companies as victims, and the gradual shift toward a culture of compliance.
The column was originally published in the delo.ua edition.
Read the full article on delo.ua: https://delo.ua/business/nova-filosofiya-beb-kurs-na-partnerstvo-z-biznesom-461996/
Today, there is increasing talk about the “new philosophy” of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU). While economic proceedings are not new to the legal community, the Bureau’s evolving approach is forcing defense attorneys to fundamentally rethink their strategic decisions and tactics.
Key Highlights of the Article:
- The Team-Based Approach: Why a classic criminal law background is no longer enough and why involving tax attorneys and forensic economic experts is now critical.
- Experience as a Key to Predictability: How understanding the ESBU’s internal logic and analyzing recent large-scale cases helps build realistic defense scenarios.
- Institutional Challenges: Why the lack of established judicial practice and inconsistencies between the State Tax Service and the ESBU remain primary risk zones for business.
- The ESBU Analytical Product: How to address the status of this document to prevent it from replacing a solid evidentiary base.
The ESBU is creating a new environment where success is driven not by universal methods, but by deep tax-financial expertise and systematic handling of economic data.
👉 Read the full article here: The New Philosophy of the ESBU as a Factor in Shaping New Business Defense Practices
At Business Wisdom Summit 2026, a panel discussion took place on the de-shadowing of Ukraine’s economy and the transformation of its business environment. The discussion was moderated by Yevgen Riyako, business defence attorney and CEO of Riyako&Partners.
Participants discussed the results of government efforts to de-shadow the fuel, tobacco and other sectors, the role of the Bureau of Economic Security, the tax authorities and the banking sector in these processes, and the broader shift towards transparent business models. The conversation went beyond the challenges — tax burden and increased scrutiny — to cover the strategic advantages: access to financing and stronger negotiating positions in dialogue with the state.
The panel brought together representatives from government and large business:
- Danylo Hetmantsev, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy
- Vasyl Danyliak, CEO of OKKO Group
- Andriy Lukasevych, Philip Morris Ukraine
- Andriy Bukin, Bank Pivdennyi
For the Riyako&Partners team, this topic is part of everyday practice: for 15 years we have worked with businesses on criminal and economic matters, and we see firsthand how both the state and business are changing their approach to transparency.
Today, de-shadowing is gradually moving from declarations to real processes, and communication between business and the state is becoming more effective. There is still much work ahead, but the direction of change is already clear: in the long run, “white” business is no longer a choice for the bold — it is becoming the baseline strategy for companies planning long-term growth, expansion into new markets and protection from systemic pressure.
We are proud to announce that RIYAKO & PARTNERS has made its debut in the prestigious international ranking, The Legal 500, specifically in the White-Collar Crime practice (criminal cases involving business and official misconduct).
This is a significant milestone for us. The Legal 500 is one of the world’s leading legal directories, based on independent research of completed projects and comprehensive client feedback.
The study highlighted our expertise in defending complex criminal cases related to public procurement, abuse of office, and financial transactions. However, perhaps the most valuable part of this recognition is the feedback from our clients:
- “I specifically looked for lawyers with experience in defending businesses in cases related to public procurement. RIYAKO & PARTNERS are well-known in this field. Thanks to their work, we managed to avoid serious reputational and financial consequences for the company.”
- “We worked with Alexander Shevtsov and Evgeniy Riyako. They have a deep understanding of criminal defense and the public procurement sector; they see the picture better and broader than our own team and point out the weak spots in the case.”
This achievement is the result of years of systematic teamwork! We are proud of this recognition and sincerely grateful to our clients for their continued trust.
The appointment of the new Director of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine (ESBU) marks a significant milestone for the Ukrainian business community and civil society. Following a prolonged process, the Cabinet of Ministers has finally appointed a leader who meets public expectations. This decision signals the beginning of a new phase for the ESBU, raising a critical question: how should its performance be effectively measured?
Experts and the business community agree that the Bureau’s success should not be measured by the number of raids or initiated cases. Instead, key performance indicators (KPIs) must focus on tangible results: the reduction of “grey” schemes, the fight against counterfeit goods, and the recovery of funds to the state budget. The new head of the ESBU emphasised that efficiency should be assessed by economic impact. This impact can be quantified through the reduction of losses from tax evasion, the dismantling of major criminal schemes, and proof that “untouchables” in business no longer exist.
A vital component of these changes is establishing a constructive dialogue between the ESBU and the business sector through professional associations. This enables the Bureau to receive rapid intelligence on major systemic issues and focus on tackling bad-faith actors. Furthermore, a draft law is currently under discussion that could alter the procedure for initiating criminal proceedings against businesses, a topic sparking significant debate in expert circles.
On 8 October, during an expanded meeting of the Board of Directors of the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine (CBU), a new committee was established: the Committee for Interaction with Law Enforcement Agencies.
The construction industry is among those most frequently subjected to audits and pressure from law enforcement, particularly during participation in public procurement. The new committee is designed to serve as a platform for systemic dialogue between business and the state, as well as for developing solutions to mitigate risks for developers.
Yevgen Riako, CEO of the law firm Riyako & Partners, was elected as the First Deputy Chair of the committee.
In his new role, he will contribute to the development of legal protection mechanisms for market participants and the creation of a secure environment for the industry’s growth.
The law firm Riyako & Partners continues to operate at the intersection of rapid response and strategic decision-making. It demonstrates that deep, niche expertise builds client trust and market recognition, particularly amidst wartime conditions and constant pressure on business. A new office, a redesigned modern website, and, most importantly, team cohesion have become symbols of growth and a new quality of service.
Read the exclusive interview for Yurydychna Gazeta (Legal Gazette):
🔍 Yevgen RIAKO, Managing Partner:
- On the typical workday of a Managing Partner, which may begin at 06:00 due to searches;
- How the firm found its primary driver in fulfilling plans made a year ago, and why narrow specialisation has become a major competitive advantage;
- What the move to a new office symbolises and why the new website design was critical for the digital battle for clients;
- Which risks businesses underestimate and why “playing by the book” is the path to protection against pressure;
- What is more vital in business defence: speed or strategy? (Spoiler: a conscious priority on speed!).
Expert Voices of Riyako & Partners:
- Oleksandr SHEVTSOV (Criminal Practice, WCC): Which approach helps win complex criminal proceedings and why obtaining transparent information from a client is crucial in anti-corruption cases.
- Kateryna ANISHCHENKO (Family, Military, and Criminal Law): How the war has transformed family law practice (remote divorce, child support from service members) and why Ukraine requires military justice courts.
- Andrii TIMONOV (Tax Disputes): Which tax risks businesses frequently overlook and why even seemingly “hopeless” cases offer a chance for victory.
This is a story of how Riyako & Partners combines independence, professionalism, and humanity in work that constantly tests the limits of legal endurance.
Read the full interview here: yur-gazeta.com/interview/…
Following a vote by the Ukrainian Bar Association, Kateryna Anishchenko, a solicitor at Riyako & Partners, has been elected as the Chair of the Committee on Military Law, Justice, and Veterans’ Rights.
Kateryna possesses unique practical experience in the field of military law, including extensive work with service members and their families, cases concerning social security guarantees, and involvement in strategic initiatives aimed at reforming military justice. Every week, Kateryna appears on national television channels to clarify legislative changes and legal risks within this sector.
Under her leadership, the Committee will focus on refining military legislation, strengthening legal protections for veterans, and developing professional expertise in the field of justice during wartime.
We congratulate our colleague! This appointment signifies a commitment to systematic work and stronger legal support for those who protect us.
Each year, extensive research is conducted within Ukraine and abroad to analyse the dynamics of the legal market. Such rankings assess shifts in key practice areas, identify industry leaders, and assist businesses in selecting legal advisors that best meet their specific requirements.
One such study is Ukrainian Law Firms: A Handbook for Foreign Clients (ULF) — an in-depth review of the Ukrainian legal market tailored for international institutions and companies. This handbook is a staple in the offices of international organisations, banks, consulting firms, and corporations operating in Ukraine.
In the ULF 2025 rankings, Riyako & Partners secured a position among the Top 15 law firms in Ukraine for Criminal Law and White-Collar Crime. The firm’s Managing Partner, Yevgen Riako, was recognised as a leading practitioner in this field. Additionally, the firm was ranked among the top legal practices specialising in Military Law.
Beyond the numerical rankings, the study provides a qualitative assessment of the firm’s development:
“The criminal practice of Riyako & Partners is demonstrating substantial growth, driven by an increasing caseload in white-collar crime and the firm’s strategic focus on business defence. The firm has expanded its expertise in protecting clients from law enforcement pressure, particularly in disputes involving alleged violations in public procurement for military needs and infrastructure projects. The practice is led by Managing Partner Yevgen Riako, with Oleksandr Shevtsov serving as a key solicitor in criminal defence and business protection matters.”
The ULF 2025 ranking confirms Riyako & Partners’ expertise in white-collar crime, business defence, public procurement, criminal defence, and military law, while highlighting the primary trends of the Ukrainian legal market in 2025.
At a time when the interaction between business and the state in Ukraine often occurs within a zone of tension, the YouTube project RiyakoTalks creates a space for honest and professional dialogue. This is an original channel founded by Yevgen Riako, CEO of the law firm Riyako & Partners.
Each guest on the project brings their unique expertise — whether as a civil servant, a representative of a business association or a specific corporation, a solicitor, or another specialised expert. They share their vision of how to build effective cooperation between the state and entrepreneurs.
“We ask the questions that usually remain ‘off-camera’: how this system works in practice, what business truly wants from the state, and how to foster a culture of conscious interaction where each party takes responsibility for its own actions,” says Yevgen Riako.
On the channel, you will find candid discussions with individuals who genuinely influence the rules of the game for business, explanations of complex economic and legal topics in plain language, and practical advice from business defence solicitors.
