Have you ever considered the boring topic of land title registries? It is something most of us in the West take for granted - you buy real estate, the rules are followed (well, mostly) and then you have safe title to your piece of paradise.Not so in Ukraine. I am involved (in an advisory capacity, thankfully) in a very messy property dispute where there is allegation that legal title to a $14 million commercial property was changed by a bribe in a titles office. And the fact that this is actually quite common is what is scary.
As a result, I have gone back and double checked my title holdings and taken all possible measures to confirm and record title. Another little risk mitigation strategy that you just can't do often enough in such a place.
Ah, my Ukraine...a little bit of Africa in the heart of Europe... :-)
