Deputy Head of Rivne Regional Council Sentenced to 9 Years for Bribery

Court Verdict

According to Главком: On May 7, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) found Serhiy Svystaliuk, deputy head of the Rivne Regional Council, guilty of bribery related to land and property matters. The court sentenced him to 9 years in prison and ordered the confiscation of 500,000 hryvnias. This case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, particularly at the regional government level.

Svystaliuk was convicted under Part 4 of Article 368 and Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In addition to the prison term, he was banned from holding local government positions for three years. The verdict can be appealed within 30 days of its announcement.

Bribery Case Details

The bribe, nearly half a million hryvnias, was received between 2022 and 2023. The case centered on the purchase of a defunct children's sanatorium at an electronic auction in late 2021. The property sits on a 5.4-hectare land plot. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the deputy head of the regional council learned that the buyer also wanted to acquire the sanatorium's assets and the land beneath it. He then promised to facilitate the write-off of the property and help secure a decision by Rivne Regional Council deputies to sell the plot.

'The judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court issued a verdict finding the deputy head of the Rivne Regional Council guilty of criminal offenses under Part 4 of Article 368 and Part 2 of Article 369-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.'

Court statement

The verdict against Serhiy Svystaliuk serves as a warning about the need to combat corruption at all levels of government in Ukraine, especially in land management. This case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in local authorities, as such corrupt practices can hinder regional development and harm citizens' well-being. The ruling is expected to set an example for other politicians and officials, reinforcing that corrupt behavior will not be tolerated.

The conviction of Serhiy Svystaliuk is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within Ukrainian regional governments. Similar cases, such as the recent sentencing of three individuals for embezzling significant state funds, highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in public service. For more insights on this pivotal issue, you can read about another significant ruling by the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Court involving embezzlement of state resources.