Verdict for a Local Official in Khmelnytskyi Region
A court has convicted the head of a community in Khmelnytskyi region for misusing budget funds and committing official forgery. The official illegally obtained nearly 1.9 million UAH that had been allocated for purchasing equipment for educational institutions. The procurement involved laser tag kits for the 'Defense of Ukraine' course and multimedia gear for the New Ukrainian School initiative.
According to official records, the equipment was supposedly delivered and placed into storage. However, at the time the budget funds were transferred, the items were not actually present at the school. To cover up the missing delivery, the community leader falsified official documents. The real equipment only arrived at the school in February 2025, after criminal proceedings had already been launched.
'According to the documents, the equipment was allegedly already delivered and stored. In reality, at the time the budget funds were transferred, the equipment was not at the educational institution.' - Office of the Prosecutor General
Prosecutors from the Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor's Office successfully proved the official's guilt in court for embezzling budget funds and committing official forgery. The court sentenced him to 7 years in prison, imposed a 3-year ban on holding relevant positions, and ordered the confiscation of his property.
Suspicions Against City Mayors
In a separate case, the mayor of Ukrainka town in Kyiv region has been notified of suspicion for illegally acquiring land and embezzling over 75 million UAH in budget funds. Law enforcement also issued a suspicion notice to Dmytro Cheychuk, the deputy mayor of Bucha, for misappropriating more than 3 million UAH in budget funds allocated for repairing residential buildings damaged by Russian shelling. Following the de-occupation of the Bucha community, the official signed contracts with a contractor for capital roof repairs in five apartment buildings.
This case highlights the issue of misuse of budget funds at the local level, especially when financing for education and infrastructure restoration is critically important. It is crucial for law enforcement to continue monitoring such crimes and holding accountable officials who abuse their positions. The situation also raises concerns about the oversight of budget expenditures, which can affect the quality of education and the recovery of affected regions.
This case is not an isolated incident, as suspicions have also emerged against other local officials in the region. For instance, the deputy mayor of Bucha faces charges related to the misappropriation of over 3 million UAH intended for housing repairs. Such instances of financial misconduct highlight a troubling trend in local government practices. To learn more about the allegations against the Bucha deputy mayor, see our detailed report regarding the misuse of repair funds.