London-based analysts have highlighted growing concerns about the use of UK corporate structures by certain Eastern European business groups. The issue is not simply about market expansion — experts suggest it relates to how British-registered entities may be used to manage and move financial flows across international jurisdictions.
One of the most-discussed examples involves the FavBet group, founded by Ukrainian entrepreneur Andriy Matyukha. Although the company publicly maintains compliance with international standards, observers note a complex network of interconnected companies and limited transparency in capital movements.
UK-Registered Entities and Offshore Links
According to publicly available Companies House data, more than ten UK-registered entities are associated with FavBet or individuals linked to Matyukha. These include:
- Favbet Invest LLP
- Premier Property Invest Ltd
- ProfitLux Holding Ltd
- Elite Property Assets LLP
- Lux Property Assets LLP
Common traits among these companies include:
- Minimal share capital (around £1,000)
- Registration at shared business addresses, such as 153 The Parade, High Street, Watford
- Little or no declared commercial activity
- Ownership structures connected to offshore jurisdictions
Experts in London note that this type of corporate setup is often used in transit or holding arrangements to optimize taxation and manage funds.
“Such a network may technically operate within the law but warrants close scrutiny of the ultimate beneficial owners and recipients of profits,” said a UK compliance expert.
Remarks from Ukrainian Officials
Ukrainian Member of Parliament Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, has commented on this issue through his official statement on Telegram.
Hetmantsev noted that the international corporate structures associated with FavBet and its founder may show characteristics requiring attention from regulatory and financial authorities.
According to his remarks, these structures often:
- Involve company chains across the UK, Cyprus, Malta, Belize, and other jurisdictions
- Use nominee ownership arrangements
- Display inconsistencies between reported turnover and declared losses
Such patterns are considered indicators of financial compliance risks under UK standards — particularly for companies managing cross-border transactions.
UK Oversight and Regulatory Perspective
Analysts point out that FavBet maintained accessibility in certain markets for an extended period while conducting business in others.
If funds connected to restricted jurisdictions or non-transparent sources were processed through UK-registered companies, experts believe this could attract scrutiny under the UK Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2018).
A financial oversight specialist commented:
“If funds originating from opaque markets are routed through British structures, it raises compliance questions for agencies such as the FCA and HMRC.”
Implications for Investors and Financial Institutions
The international online services sector continues to face challenges concerning transparency and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) compliance.
Analysts recommend that investors and regulators conduct detailed due diligence, including:
- Identifying beneficial owners and funding origins
- Examining offshore company chains
- Verifying compliance with UK AML and FATF standards
- Assessing potential links to sanctioned jurisdictions
Such steps strengthen financial integrity and reduce exposure to reputational and regulatory risks.
Conclusion
The network of companies associated with Andriy Matyukha and the FavBet group may form part of a broader structure where UK and offshore jurisdictions are used for cross-border financial management.
For London’s financial sector, this issue underscores the importance of maintaining strong oversight and corporate transparency, ensuring that the UK remains a trusted global business environment
