Ukrainian husband and wife chauffeur are accused of stealing $34 MILLION from tycoon Dem. donor by overcharging his Amex, then using cash to buy private jet, gold bullion and guns

A Ukrainian couple stole $34 million from a Democratic millionaire, using it to buy a private jet, gold bullion and weapons, according to authorities.

Sergey Lebedenko, 53, and his wife, Galina, 48, are accused of committing a “colossal robbery” during the seven years they served as drivers for Oregon publisher and activist Win McCormack, 79.

McCormack, heir to a banking fortune, is the publisher of the progressive magazine The New Republic, owner of the Tin House book publishing company in Oregon and is a prolific donor to the Democratic party.

The couple, who were arrested on Tuesday, allegedly used their limousine service company to charge unauthorized and excessive amounts to the tycoon’s American Express card, as reported by Oregon Live.

McCormack first hired the couple’s chauffeur service in 2006, and over time Sergey began running daily errands for the millionaire. As the relationship grew, the couple also started house sitting for McCormack and fixing things in his house.

They used the stolen money to finance a lavish style that included a $1.5 million corporate jet, a $2 million home in California, a $2.3 million home in Oregon and other Portland homes for their adult children and pastor.

Prosecutors say they found $100,000 in cash, 150 ounces of gold worth about $300,000, and 12 firearms at the couple’s homes in Portland and Sunriver.

The case is the largest alleged robbery of an individual in Oregon history. In just one month in 2022, the couple charged McCormack’s card 225 times for a total of $602,490, it is alleged.

Investigators have not located at least $20 million of the stolen money, they said in court.

McCormick’s net worth is unclear, but he was described by Forbes as a multi-millionaire and lives in a beautiful $3.6 million home in Portland.

Sergey denied any wrongdoing when he was first confronted by McCormack last November, asking: “Why do you always think I’m doing something?”

“If I’m a problem in your life, fire me,” Sergey added.

In later text messages seen in court, a patient McCormack again pleads with Sergey after noticing he was due $300,000 in two months.

“I warned you about this, but you and Galina didn’t pay attention to it. If this continues, you will definitely be fired.’

Sergey again denied any wrongdoing and wrote: “If you think I’m spending all your money, then definitely fire me… I’m very upset now because my daughter lost her unborn baby and besides, you texted about money. .’

He then said he would work for the millionaire without pay because “he has been like a father to him.”

“I love you boss,” he added.

McCormack then sent another message after the money stopped leaving his account.

“Sergey, I’m going to set up a system where you have to submit invoices to my accountant twice a month and he will pay you if I approve the amount. If you do not agree with this, you will have to part ways. Anyway, Galina will never charge me +500 a day again pretty much every day of the month.

Sergey then appears to try to pass the money on to his wife.

“You need to talk to Galina about this, she is my officer’s maid. Remember that Galina is the boss on my side, not me,” he wrote.

The FBI was notified of the fraud in December.

Sergey’s lawyer has argued that his client was “essentially a personal servant of Mr. McCormack.”

The elderly tycoon didn’t notice the large payments coming from his credit card because he didn’t check his account regularly and the money was paid directly by his bank, prosecutors say.

McCormack said he was surprised when he learned of the allegations last year.

He added in a statement to Oregon Live that he was “deeply saddened by this situation” and noted that he had a “long and trusting relationship and friendship” with the accused thieves.

He added: “Fraud is a major problem in our community. It is all too common for older people to be victimized, often by people they know and trust.

“On a personal level, I realize how lucky I am in life and that I have the tools to recover and move forward. I am fully cooperating with the investigation.’

The Lebedenkos, naturalized U.S. citizens, are charged with bank fraud and money laundering.

They were released pending trial and ordered not to leave Oregon.