Head of a community in Zaporizhzhia region suspected in land scheme involving 11 hectares worth 6.5 million UAH
Kyiv • UNN
The head of a community in Zaporizhzhia region misappropriated 11 hectares of land through relatives and proxies. The losses from the implementation of the scheme amount to over 6.5 million hryvnias.
The head of one of the communities in the Zaporizhzhia district is suspected of organizing a large-scale scheme for the illegal seizure of communal and state-owned land worth over 6.5 million UAH. According to the investigation, the plots were registered through relatives and proxies. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to UNN.
The Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office has served a notice of suspicion to the head of one of the territorial communities in the Zaporizhzhia district, who organized a large-scale scheme for the illegal seizure of communal and state-owned lands, and also committed official negligence during the illegal calculation of salaries for the community's accounting staff,
According to the investigation, the official registered 14 land plots with a total area of over 11 hectares and a value of more than 6.5 million UAH in the names of relatives and controlled persons.
Between 2020 and 2022, using his official position and influence over deputies, he ensured the free transfer of land ownership to proxies. He involved a local resident in the scheme to find "nominal owners," as well as a certified land management engineer who prepared documentation containing false data. The documents concealed the fact that part of the plots belonged to coastal protection zones and the forest fund.
After the land was registered, the controlled persons re-registered it to the official's close relatives at a reduced cost or through gift agreements.
It was also established that since 2000, the community head, along with relatives, acquired ownership of 265 land plots with a total area of over 500 hectares. Law enforcement officers are verifying the legality of the origin of these assets and the possible involvement of other officials and individuals who were not entitled to receive land for free.
Separately, notices of suspicion were served to the land surveyor and a local resident who facilitated the illegal withdrawal of forest, water fund, and agricultural lands.
The court has ordered a measure of restraint for the community head in the form of nightly house arrest. Prosecutors are preparing an appeal. The court is also considering motions to suspend him from office and to seize the illegally acquired assets.