Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Court Reduces MP's Sentence for Land Lease Fraud

Appeal Court Reduces Sentence for Anatoliy Hunko

According to САП: On February 9, 2026, the Appeals Chamber of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) reduced the prison sentence for former Ukrainian MP Anatoliy Hunko from seven to four years. This case is part of Ukraine's ongoing judicial reforms aimed at tackling high-level corruption. The conviction relates to a crime involving the illegal receipt of funds for leasing state-owned land.

According to the case files, Hunko received $85,000 for facilitating the lease of land plots belonging to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine to a private enterprise. The initial sentence, handed down by the HACC on March 25, 2025, included a seven-year prison term and a three-year ban from holding public office. The new Appeals Chamber verdict maintains a three-year ban on holding positions related to the functions of a government representative.

Significance for Anti-Corruption Efforts

Furthermore, the original sentence included the confiscation of all of Hunko's property. The new verdict currently finds him guilty under Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Following the ruling, Hunko was taken into custody in the courtroom. The Appeals Chamber's decision takes legal effect immediately upon announcement but can be appealed to the Supreme Court within three months.

This case underscores the critical importance of combating corruption in Ukraine, particularly among public officials.

The reduction of the sentence may point to potential complexities within the justice system and could spark renewed debate about the effectiveness of the country's anti-corruption measures. Future stages of the case, including a potential appeal to the Supreme Court, could significantly influence public perception of Ukraine's anti-corruption policies.