Former Deputy Head of Prosecutor General's Office Department Accused of Causing $15 Million Budget Loss

Charges Against Kostiantyn Kulyk

According to Главком: Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have sent an indictment to court against Kostiantyn Kulyk, a former deputy head of a department within the Prosecutor General's Office. He is accused of aiding in the unlawful automatic approval of a complaint filed by Oschadbank JSC, which resulted in budget losses exceeding 641 million hryvnias (approximately $15 million).

Between 2014 and 2016, Oschadbank JSC appealed a tax collection decision to the State Fiscal Service (SFS). Serhiy Bilan, who served as the first deputy head of the SFS under Roman Nasirov at the time, was responsible for reviewing this appeal but failed to do so within the legally prescribed timeframe. Due to his inaction, the complaint was automatically granted.

According to case materials, Kulyk created the appearance that signing the decision was impossible by requesting inspection materials on the very last day of the deadline. This action prevented the state from collecting taxes and fines totaling over 641 million hryvnias.

Court Proceedings and Consequences

It is important to note that Serhiy Bilan has entered into a plea agreement, which was approved by the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). Bilan's sentence remains classified, but it is possible that, as part of the agreement, he agreed to provide incriminating testimony against Kulyk.

“This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public finances.” - Transparency International Ukraine

Kulyk, who is currently evading authorities abroad, was subject to a special pre-trial investigation. In January 2026, he was notified of suspicion under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 2 of Article 364 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. In March 2026, the HACC issued a warrant for his arrest in absentia.

• Kulyk is known as the first official in Ukraine to face charges of illicit enrichment in 2015.
• In February 2019, Ukraine's Constitutional Court declared Article 368-2 of the Criminal Code, under which Kulyk was prosecuted, to be unconstitutional.
• In October 2025, the HACC delivered a verdict against former SFS official Serhiy Bilan, while the criminal proceedings against another former SFS official, Liudmyla Solotva, were closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.

This case highlights the critical need for transparency and responsibility in managing state funds, as significant budget losses threaten the country's financial stability. The charges against Kulyk could set an important precedent in Ukraine's fight against corruption, particularly concerning interactions between government agencies and private businesses. The case's future developments, including potential testimony from Bilan, may influence the investigation and accountability of other individuals involved in this situation.

In light of ongoing legal challenges faced by former officials, the recent case of a Ukrainian official who was sentenced for misappropriating EU funds intended for housing displaced persons highlights the critical issues of accountability in public service. Such cases reveal systemic vulnerabilities and the need for rigorous oversight to prevent financial misconduct. For further insights into how corruption impacts public resources, read more about this conviction related to EU funds.