Conviction Overturns Acquittal: Ukrainian Official Sentenced for Embezzling EU Funds Meant for Displaced Persons' Housing

Case Against Serhiy Andriyash Takes a New Turn

According to Главком: On June 29, 2026, the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) overturned a not-guilty verdict issued by a lower court on December 3, 2024. The chamber sentenced former Kyiv Regional State Administration official Serhiy Andriyash to three years in prison for abuse of office under Article 364, Part 2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. Additional penalties include a one-year ban from holding specific positions and a fine of 8,500 hryvnias. This case highlights ongoing efforts to prosecute misuse of international aid funds in Ukraine.

According to the HACC Appeals Chamber, the ruling took immediate legal effect upon its announcement. It can still be challenged before the Criminal Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine. The charges against Andriyash involved the misappropriation of funds provided by the European Union to establish social housing for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The money was used to renovate private property-specifically, a non-residential building in the village of Karapyshi, Myronivka district, Kyiv region-that belonged to the company 'Agrosvit.'

Details of the Case

After the renovations, the building was not transferred to municipal or state ownership. Part of the refurbished facility was used to house a children's health and recreation center called 'Zoryany,' which also underwent renovations using public funds. Andriyash’s relatives-including his son, daughter, and son-in-law-were employed at the Zoryany center. During the investigation, the property was returned to municipal or state ownership.

Andriyash has maintained his innocence, arguing that the initial acquittal by the lower court was based on a lack of evidence of a criminal offense. In a separate but related development, the Solomianskyi District Court of Kyiv ordered the pretrial detention of Ruslan Svitlyi, former director of the Department of Social and Veterans Policy of the Kyiv City State Administration. Svitlyi is suspected of embezzling funds from the 'Turbo. Towards Kyivites' program. He was appointed to his position in 2019 and has been granted the option to post bail in the amount of 30 million hryvnias.

This case underscores the significance of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, particularly concerning the use of international aid. The HACC Appeals Chamber's decision also demonstrates how the judicial system can review and overturn lower court rulings in cases of official misconduct. Such rulings can shape public trust in state institutions and their ability to uphold justice and the rule of law.

The recent ruling against Serhiy Andriyash is part of a broader trend in Ukraine's judicial system, which aims to address corruption and the misuse of public funds. This is particularly significant in light of the Supreme Court's decision regarding former court chief Pavlo Vovk, emphasizing the judiciary's commitment to uphold accountability and transparency. Such cases reflect ongoing efforts to restore public trust in government institutions.