Ex-Prosecutors in Kirovohrad Busted by NABU and SAP for Bribery Involving Cash and a Tesla

Corruption Scheme Uncovered in Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor's Office

According to САП: Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) have exposed former officials from the Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor's Office for extorting illicit benefits and laundering criminally obtained assets. The suspects include a former first deputy head of the regional prosecutor's office and a former head of one of the district prosecutor's offices in the region. This case highlights ongoing efforts to root out corruption within Ukraine's law enforcement institutions.

According to NABU and SAP, the former first deputy head demanded an illegal payoff from the deputy director of an enterprise under the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, as well as from the director of a state-owned company. In exchange for dropping a criminal investigation, the official received $13,500 in cash and a Tesla Model X P100D.

To conceal the vehicle, the official enlisted the help of the district prosecutor's office head, who arranged for a straw person to be used as the nominal owner. A power of attorney was then issued to that individual, granting them control over the car. The remaining portion of the bribe was never collected because the official failed to deliver on their promises.

Arrests and Legal Charges

The former first deputy head of the regional prosecutor's office was detained under Article 208 of Ukraine's Criminal Procedure Code. The suspects face charges under multiple articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code:

• The ex-first deputy head of the Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor's Office is suspected under Part 4 of Article 368 and Part 2 of Article 209.
• The former head of the district prosecutor's office is suspected under Part 5 of Article 27, Part 4 of Article 368, and Part 2 of Article 209.
• The accomplice is suspected under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 4 of Article 368.

This investigation marks a significant step in Ukraine's fight against corruption, particularly within law enforcement bodies tasked with upholding the rule of law. Uncovering such schemes among senior prosecutors underscores the urgent need for continued reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms. The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests and additional corruption-related charges emerging as new evidence comes to light.

This recent case is not an isolated incident, as similar corruption schemes have emerged within Ukraine's law enforcement. The NABU has previously reported on ex-officials accepting bribes to quash criminal investigations, highlighting the pervasive issue of corruption that undermines the integrity of the justice system in the region.