Former Ukrainian Cultural Center Director Receives 9-Year Sentence in Absentia for Embezzlement and Fleeing to Russia

Court Sentences Andriy Klymenko

According to Главком: Andriy Klymenko, the former director of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Scientific and Methodological Center of Culture and Art, has been sentenced in absentia to nine years in prison. The Khmelnytskyi City District Court found him guilty of embezzling property valued at 790.3 thousand hryvnias. Upon learning of the investigation, Klymenko fled to Russia and was declared wanted. The court also ordered him to compensate for the damages.

According to the court, the total value of the misappropriated assets was 790.3 thousand hryvnias. The stolen property included:

• An LED screen worth 377.7 thousand hryvnias;
• A set of concert-studio equipment valued at 44.7 thousand hryvnias;
• 200 pieces of ceramic tableware;
• 150 photo books commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Unification Act and the cultural heritage of Khmelnytskyi region, worth 125.4 thousand hryvnias.

The case was initiated after a report filed by the head of the regional council, Violetta Labaziuk, on February 10, 2021. Klymenko crossed into Russia via the Bachivsk checkpoint in Sumy Oblast just five days later, on February 15. He has been listed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs wanted database since December 2022. A deputy head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor's Office overturned an investigator's decision to close the case in July 2022.

During the investigation, 268 pawn agreements Klymenko had made were seized from the 'Zastavno-Kredytnyi Dim' pawnshop. The court mandated he repay 790.3 thousand hryvnias in material damages and 6.79 thousand hryvnias in court costs. Witness testimony confirmed Klymenko was aware of the probe but deliberately avoided meeting with authorized officials.

Case Developments

Evidence presented in court established that from December 1, 2017, to February 15, 2021, Andriy Klymenko intentionally committed acts that led to the misappropriation of property for the benefit of unidentified third parties. The verdict states that the defense's claim of no criminal intent in his actions is unfounded.

In a notable public appearance, Klymenko featured on the talk show 'Pryamyi Efir' hosted by Andriy Malakhov on the Russian state channel 'Rossiya 1' in November 2021. This appearance, while he was a fugitive, generated significant public controversy in Ukraine. His case remains a focus of media and public attention, highlighting the challenges of cross-border justice.

The sentencing of Andriy Klymenko marks a significant step in Ukraine's fight against corruption, particularly within the cultural sector where public resources are often scarce.

Such cases send a strong signal to other officials about the severe consequences of corrupt acts. However, the difficulties in apprehending him and enforcing the sentence underscore persistent challenges in the justice system when accused individuals can evade responsibility by leaving the country.