Former Court Chairman Receives 8.5-Year Sentence for Bribery

Verdict from the High Anti-Corruption Court

According to Главком: On April 3, 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine found former head of the Sumy Region Commercial Court, Oleksandr Kovalenko, guilty of accepting a bribe. He was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison with confiscation of property. This ruling followed an investigation that uncovered a crime under Article 368, Part 4 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. This case is part of a broader, ongoing effort to reform Ukraine's judicial system and root out corruption.

Case Details

According to the prosecution, the bribe amounted to $26,600. The funds were delivered by lawyer Pavlo Putii, who was involved in a special operation conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) together with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Lawyer and arbitration manager Oleksandr Malovanyi acted as an intermediary. Representatives of the company Sumbud were also named in the case.

Oleksandr Kovalenko resigned from his position as court chairman in 2017 and was subsequently suspended from administering justice. The court also barred him from holding any judicial office for three years. The preventive measure of bail remains in effect until the sentence becomes final.

In his defense, Kovalenko stated that the money was rightfully his and that the matter concerning an apartment related to assisting a relative living abroad. He also emphasized his cooperation with the investigation, his attendance at all court hearings, and his voluntary resignation as court chairman to ensure an impartial review of the case.

Leadership Change at the Anti-Corruption Court

In a related development, on March 25, 2026, judges of the High Anti-Corruption Court elected Ihor Strohy as the court's new chairman. Strohy has served as a judge on this court since 2019, having previously worked as a judge in the Sharhorod District Court of Vinnytsia Region since 2012. This leadership transition signals a new chapter for the court tasked with handling high-profile corruption cases.

This conviction highlights the persistent efforts of Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies to combat graft within the judiciary, a critical factor for ensuring justice and maintaining public trust in legal institutions. The election of a new chairman for the High Anti-Corruption Court further indicates a shift in the court's leadership, which may influence future cases and anti-corruption initiatives in the country.

The recent sentencing of Oleksandr Kovalenko highlights significant changes within Ukraine's judicial framework. As the High Anti-Corruption Court continues its efforts to combat corruption, the recent appointment of Ihor Strohy as the new chairman marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing reform process, potentially influencing future cases and judicial integrity.