This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies to recover illegally acquired property from public officials.
Appeals Chamber Upholds Forfeiture of Mayor's Vehicle
The Appeals Chamber of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) confirmed on June 23, 2026 a civil forfeiture order for a 2023 Audi Q7 valued at 4.2 million hryvnias. The vehicle had been used by Sambir Mayor Yuriy Hamar. The court's earlier decision from September 29, 2025 had identified the car as an unjustified asset subject to state seizure.
What the Investigation Uncovered
Detectives from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) gathered evidence showing that the mayor's daughter acquired the vehicle in 2023. After its purchase, the car was used exclusively by the mayor, indicating his indirect ownership. Registering the vehicle under his daughter's name was a tactic to conceal the true owner.
To avoid forfeiture, the parties conducted another sale transaction that transferred ownership to a third party. However, an analysis of Yuriy Hamar's financial situation and that of his family members confirmed they could not have purchased the asset with legal income. Consequently, the HACC Appeals Chamber's ruling finalized the seizure of the vehicle linked to the mayor.
This case underscores the importance of tackling corruption at the local level and illustrates how officials can hide assets through family members. The actions taken by anti-corruption bodies demonstrate their determination to uncover and dismantle schemes used for financial misconduct. The ruling may also set a precedent for future investigations into corrupt practices among public servants.
The recent ruling on Sambir Mayor Yuriy Hamar's vehicle is not an isolated incident, as similar cases continue to emerge in Ukraine's fight against corruption. For instance, the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Court recently ordered the forfeiture of a Lexus SUV and multiple properties valued at 7 million UAH from a former tax official's family. This ongoing crackdown highlights the critical role of anti-corruption agencies in addressing financial misconduct among public servants. To learn more about this significant case, visit the forfeiture of assets from a former tax official's family.