Information attack against GNT Group is a continuation of raiding – expert

He explained that terminals, as enterprises, are generally prohibited from demanding documents from brokers regarding the owner and origin of goods.

"Once again, specifically at the stage of grain trading operations at the terminal (acceptance, processing, shipment), it is tightly controlled by banks, customs, the State Food Safety Service, and even a permanent representative of the Security Service of Ukraine at the port... The terminal cannot influence this process at all because it is not involved in it," wrote Oleksii Holobutskyi.

He attributes the information wave surrounding the company to attempts of raiding, which have been ongoing for the second year.

"Olimpex Coupe International has been trying to raid for over two years, and this is done by companies from the United States (because the business is profitable, and Ukraine at war is considered, obviously, incapable of protecting its private businesses)," wrote the analyst.

According to the expert, the key point in forming smuggling is not the terminal, and "this is obvious to anyone with minimal acquaintance with the terminal and port operation schemes."

"The relevant structures should also deal with the attempted raiding of a company from a strategic sector directly involved in providing international guarantees to Ukraine," emphasized Oleksii Holobutskyi.

He stressed that Ukraine cannot afford, during the war and with over 50% budget deficit, to lose one of the sources of budget replenishment due to attempts by foreign businesses to seize assets in Ukraine.

GNT Group has stated that Argentem Creek Partners is using administrative pressure and black PR to raid the group's business.