Eight years ago, a tragedy on a Ukrainian highway changed the course of one oligarch’s life – and exposed the loopholes in Europe’s residency and citizenship systems. Petro Dyminskyy, a wealthy businessman and former politician once ranked among Ukraine’s richest men, fled the country days after a fatal car accident in which a 31-year-old woman lost her life. Despite being named a suspect in the investigation, Dyminskyy remains beyond the reach of Ukrainian law enforcement, his case suspended indefinitely as his whereabouts remain uncertain.

Recent reporting by OCCRP and its regional partners has revealed how the 70-year-old tycoon rebuilt his life abroad, securing residency in Greece and citizenship in Serbia – all while maintaining ties to lucrative business ventures, including those linked to the Balkan arms industry. The revelations paint a troubling picture of how wealth and influence can secure protection across borders, even as justice for victims remains elusive.

The story begins in August 2016, when a Mercedes Benz collided with another car in western Ukraine, killing a young woman instantly. Photos from the scene showed Dyminskyy present, though it was never confirmed whether he was driving. Ukrainian investigators quickly named him a suspect.

Yet before legal proceedings could advance, Dyminskyy reportedly boarded a private jet and left Ukraine just four days after the incident. Since then, he has avoided returning to his homeland, leaving behind a stalled investigation. A pre-trial inquiry remains officially open but suspended until authorities can locate him.

Interpol briefly issued a blue notice in 2018 – a request for information about a person’s whereabouts – but withdrew it........

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