Ukraine's Justice Ministry intends to attract an advisor to collect the fine of UAH 172 billion imposed by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine on Russia's Gazprom using foreign assets of the Russian company, Deputy Justice Minister Serhiy Shkliar said at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.

"Work in this area is underway. Now, as far as I know, a tender to attract foreign advisors abroad is being prepared. They will work on the issue abroad," he said.

As reported, the Antimonopoly Committee levied the fine of UAH 85.966 billion (around $3.3 billion) on January 25, 2016, after determining that Gazprom had abused its monopoly position in transiting gas through Ukraine. The fine grew to UAH 171.932 billion as penalty for non-paying the fine was imposed. The decision was several times confirmed by Ukrainian courts.

In April 2017, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine sent an application on opening of an enforcement case to collect the fine from Gazprom to the State Enforcement Service.

Gazprom said on May 12 that it received a decision from the enforcement service through its office in Kyiv on May 12 on the opening of enforcement proceedings and seizure of its property in Ukraine. It was notified of the opening of enforcement proceedings for the amount of UAH 189.125 billion, including an enforcement fee of UAH 17.193 billion, and the seizure of the company's shares in Gastransit and some other companies.