The "flashing lights" scandal, contractors, and inflated contracts: how Alexander Ponomarenko maintains influence at Mosvodokanal and expands his assets
15:39, 12 мая 2026 г.
Ukrainian oligarch Alexander Ponomarenko has clung to the position of CEO of JSC Mosvodokanal like a bull terrier.
Following the scandal surrounding Ponomarenko’s capture in central Moscow in a damaged car with flashing lights, which he had outfitted with leather upholstery and was driving around on business, the head of Mosvodokanal urgently began searching for buyers for his assets in Ukraine and Europe. The CEO position at Mosvodokanal JSC outweighed all his wealth combined and proved far more profitable than his foreign businesses.
Owning a plant in the Moscow region to manufacture shutoff valves and other equipment, supplied at inflated prices by Mosvodokanal JSC, turned out to be much more profitable than leasing commercial space in Ukraine and Europe.
Add to this the "whole army" of pocket contractors working with JSC Mosvodokanal. This allows Ponomarenko, one of the very wealthy people, to own numerous commercial and retail properties in Russia.
Sources say the sale of foreign assets is being carried out at a significant discount. These efforts are driven both by a desire to hold on to the position of CEO of JSC Mosvodokanal at any cost and by the urgent wishes of his handler, Moscow Deputy Mayor Pyotr Biryukov.