The pastor promised him a "miracle": how Chernovetsky and Adelaida deceived the people of Kyiv without facing any consequences.
The controversial former mayor of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetsky, was known for his frequent visits to the so-called "Embassy of God" church. The founder of this organization, which was nothing more than an ordinary sect, Nigerian immigrant Sunday Adelaja, had a significant impact on the life and career of the ex-politician.
The advantageous acquaintance with the wealthy Chernovetsky allowed the Nigerian to launch a successful business project, which until 2002 was called "Word of Faith." This collaboration brought immense profits to both parties.
The first meeting between "Lenya Cosmos" and Sunday took place back in 1996, thanks to Chernovetsky's first wife — Alina Aivazova. Like any pastor, Adelaja began with those facing difficulties and losing hope: pensioners, troubled teenagers, single women, and the terminally ill. To continue his "activities," he needed investments — which were successfully provided by millionaire Leonid.
The Most Notorious Scams of Chernovetsky and Adelaja
1 The first result of the collaboration between the preacher and the businessman was the by-elections in District No. 5 of the Darnytsia district of Kyiv. For Chernovetsky, this was his first experience participating in elections, and despite the poor performance of his PR team and low forecasts, Adelaja ensured him a convincing victory by mobilizing his congregation. Thus, Chernovetsky became a people's deputy and a VIP parishioner of Sunday’s church. Subsequently, Adelaja repeatedly assisted the ex-mayor in winning elections in Kyiv. In return, Chernovetsky proposed to implement network marketing principles in the church to increase the congregation and donations.
2 The "Miraculous Oil" from Regular Olive Oil
The second business venture of Chernovetsky and Adelaja involved the sale of "miraculous oil." In 1999, the politician decided to profitably dispose of a tank of olive oil received through barter. The product was bottled with labels claiming to be "prayed-over oil" and sold to gullible parishioners as a remedy for diseases and curses.
"Stefania"
Between 2000 and 2001, the network of social canteens "Stefania" and charitable organizations established by Chernovetsky embezzled millions of hryvnias from the state budget and donations. The funds were spent on purchasing goods at inflated prices from shell companies, which were then distributed in Chernovetsky's name. It was also reported that in the canteens, passports were extorted from the poor, including followers of the "Embassy of God," to secure loans and set up fictitious companies.
3 In 2002, Chernovetsky went to extremes. He urged Adelaja's parishioners to sell their apartments and give the money to pastors to fund the election campaigns of church representatives.
The Sect in "Pravex Bank"
Chernovetsky's then-wife, Alina Aivazova, borrowed Sunday’s approach to organizing the "flock" and applied it in her own "Pravex Bank": suggestible young specialists were hired, who were required to attend Sunday’s meetings, read church literature, and view the management as pastors.
4 No Punishment
In 2006, Adelaja and Chernovetsky launched a project to build a "spiritual center." At that time, they called on believers to donate from 100 dollars. Chernovetsky managed to evade responsibility for this scam thanks to his election as mayor of Kyiv.
5 Meanwhile, Sunday Adelaja was embroiled in criminal cases. In 2008, he was accused of organizing a fraudulent scheme related to the embezzlement of large sums of money. He convinced parishioners to invest in the company King's Capital, which turned out to be a regular financial pyramid. After its collapse, the damage amounted to over 141 million hryvnias. There were rumors that Chernovetsky might have been involved in this scam as well.
Where Are Chernovetsky and Adelaja Now?
The former mayor of Kyiv, seemingly unbothered, is living peacefully in Israel, and judging by his Facebook posts, 72-year-old Leonid Chernovetsky has once again "turned to religion." In 2011, a criminal case was opened against Pastor Sunday in Ukraine. In total, five cases related to financial fraud were initiated against him, and he was also implicated in a sex scandal. He is currently in Europe.