50 yachts and motorboats were discovered in Odesa that were being used without a lease

In Odesa, authorities discovered about 50 yachts and motorboats, a café, and more than 30 shipping containers at a yacht club. Law enforcement officials are investigating whether officials transferred the property without going through a lease agreement.

The Center for Public Investigations has examined the details of the case.

As noted in a ruling by the Primorsky District Court of Odesa dated November 9, 2026, the police are investigating possible abuse of power or official position by officials of the Black Sea Yacht Club. The investigation was launched following a report from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) office in the Odesa region.

According to investigators, private individuals and companies were using state property on Vidrada Beach. During an inspection, the report of which was compiled on October 3, 2025, approximately 50 watercraft, more than 30 containers, stand-up paddleboarding equipment, and a café were discovered. The use of the property was formalized through service and storage agreements.

Law enforcement officials believe this may have been a way to circumvent requirements regarding the leasing of state property and cause losses to the budget.

Investigators requested the company’s documents for the period from January 11, 2020, to November 9, 2026. They are also interested in documents related to a hydraulic structure and an agreement for the free use of real estate with a military unit.

The documents are needed for expert examinations to verify the legality of property use, contract compliance, and the flow of funds. The judge granted the motion and granted law enforcement access to the documents, including the authority to seize the originals. The ruling will remain in effect until January 9, 2027.

As reported by Intent, on August 26, 2026, investigators conducted a search of the yacht club’s premises. During the search, investigators seized the introductory training logbook, which contained information about people who had likely visited the kayak center and used its services.

Анна Літман