Skele’s family becomes involved in fast loan business

Ex-prime minister Andris Skele’s family has entered the fast loans business. Skele’s son-in-law Edgars Dupats became one of the co-owners of 4finance this February. This company is more widely known under SMScredit and Vivus trademarks.

4finance’s co-owners are Malta-based FCI Investments Limited (25%) and Cyprus-based Tirona Limited (75%). Its previous owner was Russian gambling billionaire Oleg Boiko, as reported by De Facto programme and Baltic exploratory journalism centre Re:Baltica.

According to Forbes, Boiko had acquired 4finance shares for approximately USD 190 million in 2012. According to information from De Facto programme, 4finance has changed hands since February 2015: Vera Boiko acquired 49% in Tirona Limited. Researchers believe she is Oleg Boiko’s mother. 25.5% of shares are now owned by Uldis Arnicans and the same amount is owned by Dupats.

Dupats is ex-prime minister Andris Skele’s son-in-law. He remains the Chairman of the Council of Liepājas Autobusu parks, which is indirectly owned by Skele’s family. De Facto wished to learn how Dupat’s could afford shares in Tirona Limited and whether or not he intends to represent Skele’s interests in 4finance. Dupats, however, was laconic in his answers: «You see this could be a long conversation.» Dupats asked if he could provide answers in writing. One day later he said he had no time for an interview and responded rather evasively in the correspondence: «Changes to the structure of Tirona Limited’s shareholder composition have no relation to the attraction of new investors. […] The person you mentioned in your letter has no relation whatsoever to 4finance Holding S.A.»

BNN

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