48 accused of corruption mobilised to Armed Forces, cases suspended

Chevrons of a military man. Illustrative photo: Depositphotos

The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) said that 48 people accused of corruption, whose cases have already been brought to court, had voluntarily mobilised to the Armed Forces. As a result, the trials have been suspended.

«Unfortunately, the mobilisation of defendants in SAPO and NABU cases has become one of the most relevant and popular methods of avoiding criminal liability. So far, 48 people have mobilised to the Armed Forces of Ukraine on their own initiative after the indictments were sent to court», the statement said.

The prosecutor's office explains that after the mobilisation of the accused, the court has no right to continue the case, and the terms of prosecution expire. They are convinced that this creates a real threat of avoiding a sentence.

In particular, the case of the former head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, Roman Nasirov. The agency noted that today, 10 April, the High Anti-Corruption Court held a regular hearing, to which the accused did not appear. However, the court extended the period of wearing the electronic bracelet.

The agency reminded that his lawyer had filed a motion to suspend the case due to Nasirov's mobilisation, which the court will consider on 11 April.

«We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the case is at the final stage of consideration — the court debates, after which the court is to pass a verdict. However, the mobilisation of one of the accused threatens to delay the case, and as a result, he may avoid responsibility», the department noted.

As a reminder, Berezanka village head Valerii Khomitskiy, who was accused of corruption, entered into a plea deal with the prosecutor's office. Instead of a prison term, he transferred one million hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Earlier it was reported that Mykolaiv athlete Olha Ladyha, who ran over a woman to death in 2020, had mobilised to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In this regard, her lawyers ask to suspend the appeal proceedings.