SBI probes ex-official in Zakarpattya for allegedly using troops as forced labor to construct dacha
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has completed an investigation into the former head of one of the departments of the Uzhhorod District Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support, who forced soldiers to build him a private mansion, according to an SBI press service report on Feb. 14.
The Bureau exposed the official in cooperation with the National Police in the summer of 2023. On his order, from January to August, subordinates carried out construction work on his estate instead of serving.
According to the SBI, five soldiers were constantly working on the construction site. Another subordinate, in agreement with his supervisor, was engaged in entrepreneurial activities instead of service. Despite this, all the soldiers received material support from the state. Thus, they were unjustifiably paid over 500,000 hryvnias ($13,099).
The former military commissar is accused of abuse of power.
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The punishment may be up to 12 years in prison.
The SBI stated that the defendant was dismissed from his position, and the court imposed a pre-trial restraint in the form of detention with the possibility of bail of 800,000 hryvnias ($20,959).
The issue of compensation for the damage caused to the state is being resolved. A charge ofcorruption was also drawn up against the suspect.
Procedural supervision is being carried out by the Zakarpattya Specialized DefenseProsecutor's Office of the Western Region.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
