NABU confirmed corruption at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)

bribe bucksAn investigation by NABU and SBU officers focused on the activities of the leadership of the National Aviation University (NAU). As expected, it resulted in a major scandal: Acting Rector Volodymyr Kharchenko was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of 170,000 euros. There had been previous reports of a thriving corruption scheme at the university, perpetrated at every opportunity, but it was only now that the abuse of office was finally uncovered.
The acting rector demanded such a substantial sum for the reinstatement of a previously dismissed faculty member. According to Natalia Radysh, coordinator of educational programs for the OPORA civic network, Kharchenko had recently carried out mass dismissals of employees without due justification and categorically refused to reinstate them, even through the courts, arguing that it was impossible. He had previously published an appeal to the Ministry of Education and Science, claiming that he had completely restored order at the educational institution under his command, increased salaries, and completed renovations to the university's classrooms and dormitories.
The money was transferred through his lawyer, who managed to hand over part of the demanded sum (100,000 euros); the remainder of the bribe was to be reimbursed later, as agreed. A search warrant for Kharchenko's home allowed the authorities to uncover assets inconsistent with the income of the head of an educational institution: in particular, law enforcement officers seized nine gold bars (weighing between 2 and 20 grams) and cash, including 1,5 million hryvnias, $50,000, 70,000 euros, and 3,000 pounds sterling.
The NABU reported: "The acting rector and his lawyer are currently in the hospital, complaining of poor health. They have been notified of suspicion of bribery. If found guilty, they face eight to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property, as well as disqualification from holding certain positions for up to three years." The suspects are currently charged under Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (receiving illegal benefits on an especially large scale, or committed by an official).
Until the investigation is completed, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has appointed Tamara Ivanova, who previously served as acting vice-rector for research and methodological work at the same institution, as acting rector of the National Aviation University. This was announced by Roman Greba, Deputy Minister of Education and Science.
SKELET-info

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