Kyiv Official Formally Suspected of Hiding 22 Million in Asset Declaration

Director of Kyiv's Industry Department Exposed for False Declaration

According to Главком: Volodymyr Kostikov, the Director of the Department of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development for the Kyiv City State Administration (KCMA), has been exposed for submitting false information in his 2023 annual asset declaration. According to the investigation, the discrepancy in the declared amounts exceeds 22 million Ukrainian hryvnias. This case is part of Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which mandate strict financial transparency for public officials.

The official, who has held his post since March 2, 2023, declared savings of 31 million hryvnias. Investigators, however, found his actual savings do not exceed 9 million. During this period, Kostikov also acquired an apartment worth 8.4 million hryvnias, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and other property.

Legal Repercussions and Kostikov's Career Background

Prosecutors from the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office have formally notified Kostikov of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 366-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which covers the submission of false declarations. As a state servant of the sixth rank, Kostikov had served as First Deputy Director of the same department since 2020 before his promotion to director.

Prior to his government roles, Kostikov's career included positions in the private sector:

• Chief Engineer at the enterprise Apatan krok
• Director of Fortus International
• Head of Technical Control Department
• Deputy Director for Quality at the Reinforced Concrete Products Plant No. 2 of Kyivbuddetailkomplekt

The case has drawn significant public attention, underscoring the critical importance of transparency in officials' asset declarations and their accountability for financial misconduct.

"The discovery of false information in declarations by state officials, such as Kostikov, can have serious consequences for public trust in government institutions."

This incident also highlights the necessity for stronger oversight of financial reporting by public officials, a key component of Ukraine's fight against corruption. Preventing such violations is seen as vital for increasing transparency in public administration and strengthening the country's legal system.