Former Ukrainian MP Nesterenko Convicted: Probation and 15 Million Hryvnias for Armed Forces

Verdict for Former MP Vadym Nesterenko

According to Главком: On March 2, a judge of Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court approved a plea bargain with former Member of Parliament Vadym Nesterenko. He was found guilty under Part 2 of Article 364 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. The court's primary sentence was three years of imprisonment, but Nesterenko was exempted from serving this term based on Part 2 of Article 75 of the Criminal Code.

In addition to the primary sentence, the former MP received supplementary penalties:

• A one-year ban from holding positions in state authorities;
• A fine of 17,000 hryvnias.

Nesterenko was given a one-year probation period, during which he must regularly report to a probation authority and notify them of any change in his residence, employment, or place of study.

Nature of the Offense

Nesterenko's crime involved his failure, between 2014 and 2018, to inform the Office of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine about his ownership of an apartment in Kyiv. He unlawfully benefited by using a hotel room at the state-owned 'National Hotel Complex' at public expense from 2016 to 2018, and also received budget funds transferred to his personal account as compensation for housing rent without legal grounds. The legal basis for the charges is found in Article 35 of Ukraine's Law 'On the Status of a People's Deputy of Ukraine'.

Nesterenko is obligated to voluntarily compensate the state for damages and transfer 15,000,000 hryvnias as aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This case is part of Ukraine's ongoing, high-stakes anti-corruption drive, which is a key requirement for international support and future EU membership. The verdict will become legally binding after the appeal period expires or following a ruling by an appellate court if an appeal is filed.

This case is part of the broader context of Ukraine's fight against corruption, where anti-corruption agencies are actively working to uncover and punish abuses of official position.

The ruling against Nesterenko underscores the accountability of public officials for financial misconduct and the existence of mechanisms to recover damages. It may also serve as a warning to other officials about the potential consequences of corrupt acts, which is a crucial element in strengthening trust in state institutions.