Ex-OPFL MP suspected of non-declaration of apartment

On Aug. 4, 2022, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) served a suspicion notice in absentia to a 9th convocation MP who failed to declare an apartment worth UAH 4.2 million. His actions fall under Part 1 Art. 366-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation established that in 2019 the lawmaker purchased an apartment in the suburbs of Kyiv (Kozyn village) with an area of ​​260 square meters. In order to conceal the purchase, the MP requested his proxy to be a nominal owner of the asset. NABU has got evidence that during 2020 the MP lived in the specified apartment but mentioned neither ownership nor use of this property in his asset/income declaration.

As reported, in August 2021, the HACC recognized over UAH 1.2 million belonging to an MP as unsubstantiated and ordered the forfeiture of the funds. In his annual declaration, the MP stated the money was received from the lease of real estate (a pulp pit). It turned out he received these funds illegally because he did not own the asset. On Oct. 27, 2021, the Appeal Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court upheld the decision. Later, the ruling was upheld by the Supreme Court.

According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered non-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.