The SSU and the SBI have documented the offences committed by the deputy head of Poltava Region Council.

In March 2023, he arranged an official trip to Bydgoszcz, Poland, and travelled outside Ukraine.

However, after crossing the state border, the deputy head travelled on personal business to one of the south-western EU countries.

He stayed there for the entire duration of his ‘official trip’.

This is evidenced by the data from the bank cards used by the official to pay bills in foreign hotels, restaurants and shops.

Apart from that, during his stay abroad, he signed a power of attorney for a foreign citizen to purchase real estate in the EU on his behalf.

On his return, false information was given in the reporting documents on the results of the trip.

During the searches, the original documents pertaining to accommodation and travel routes outside Ukraine were seized.

Mobile phones confirming the unlawful actions were also found.

Based on the evidence, the deputy head was served a notice of suspicion under three articles of the CCU:

• 366 (forgery in office);
• 190 (fraud);
• 358 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps and forms, sale or use of forged documents, seals, stamps).

The court is to decide on a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

The suspect faces imprisonment.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.