NABU completes investigation into Mezhyhiria seizure, residence goes to ARMA
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have completed an investigation of the former President of Ukraine and his son charged with seizing the Mezhyhiria residence by abusing their official position. The actions of the ex-president fall under Part 5 Art. 191, Part 3 Art. 209, Part 5 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, his son - under Part 5 Art. 191, Part 3 Art. 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
On Dec. 29, 2021, NABU disclosed the case materials before referring an indictment to the High Anti-Corruption Court.
As established, during 2002-2013, the ex-president together with his son appropriated a land plot of 104.61 hectares, buildings, structures, and other property of the recreation complex Pushcha-Vodytsia within the Mezhyhiria area, as well as the house №123-a on Mezhyhirska Street in the village of Novi Petrivtsi.
As part of the NABU investigation, the arrest of hundreds of objects of movable, immovable property and vehicles located on the territory of the Mezhyhiria residence was initiated. Subsequently, the court transferred the said objects to the Asset Recovery and Management Agency.
On Aug. 25, 2021, at the request of NABU, the investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court granted permission to conduct an in absentia investigation of the former President of Ukraine and his son, which eventually allowed to complete the investigation. In addition, the HACC chose a measure of restraint in the form of detention for both suspects.
If convicted, they face up to 7 to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.
NABU has dealt with the Mezhyhiria case since December 2019. From the moment the ex-president and his son fled to the Russian Federation in 2014 until December 2019, the case was investigated by the Prosecutor General's Office.
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.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered not-guilty in the commission of a crime and cannot be subject to criminal punishment until he or she is found guilty by court.