Uncovering a Major Land Seizure Scheme
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Office of the Prosecutor General have exposed a criminal scheme to illegally seize protected state land in Kyiv. The case centers on former Member of Parliament Andriy Derkach, who, alongside accomplices, illicitly obtained title to 23 plots of land totaling 41.5 hectares within the 'Koncha-Zaspa' nature reserve. The estimated value of this land at the time of the crime exceeded 595 million Ukrainian hryvnias. This case highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's fight against high-level corruption, particularly involving valuable natural resources.
According to investigators, the scheme dates back to 2010. At that time, Derkach, a member of the 'Party of Regions,' conspired with the head of the Obukhiv District State Administration and a manager from the local State Land Cadastre office. The group falsified land survey documents and entered fraudulent data into the State Land Cadastre. The plots were then registered in the names of the ex-MP's relatives and close associates.
How the Scheme Was Executed
The conspirators enlisted 23 straw persons, including drivers and security guards, to act as fronts. State land grant certificates were issued in their names under the pretense of personal farming. Over eight years, the plots were legalized through a series of sham transactions. As a result of the investigation, the former head of the Obukhiv District Administration has been detained and notified of suspicion.
'The former Ukrainian MP from the 'Party of Regions,' now a Russian Federation senator, set his sights in 2010 on especially valuable forest land in the 'Koncha-Zaspa' reserve on the Dnipro River bank. This involves 23 plots covering 41.5 hectares, valued at over 595 million hryvnias at the time of the crime,' stated Ruslan Kravchenko.
Two other participants in the scheme have been notified of suspicion in absentia, as they are currently abroad. Law enforcement has initiated the seizure of the suspects' property and that of affiliated individuals, and steps are being taken to place them on an international wanted list.
The suspicion has been issued under specific articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code related to misappropriation and money laundering. A motion has been filed with the court to seize the suspects' assets. 'The ex-MP is also accused of state treason and illicit enrichment. The investigation is ongoing,' Kravchenko added.
This exposed scheme underscores the serious problem of illegal land seizure in Ukraine, particularly in protected areas requiring special conservation. The situation surrounding Andriy Derkach, who is under investigation on multiple charges, could have significant repercussions for his political standing and for Ukraine's international image. The continuing probe demonstrates the state's commitment to combating corruption and illegal activities in land relations.
As Ukraine grapples with ongoing issues of corruption related to land use, another recent case highlights the illegal exploitation of protected areas. A businessman in Kyiv has been charged for unlawfully constructing a café on forest land, further emphasizing the urgent need for stringent measures to protect national resources from unlawful activities.