Policy

Ivaniushchenko’s case is back on track: appeal overturns arrest in absentia, HACCU to consider preventive measure again

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court has overturned the decision to arrest former MP Yuriy Ivaniushchenko in absentia. The court concluded that the former MP was allegedly improperly notified of the hearing at which he was chosen as a preventive measure in the form of detention.

The information was published by Bihus.Info, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.

What is known

The cancellation of the arrest in absentia does not mean that Ivanyushchenko is not suspected. It is only a procedural matter: now the motion for detention must be reconsidered in the court of first instance – in the HACC.

For the anti-corruption authorities, this means a delay in the process in a high-profile case that has been going on for many years and involves significant amounts of state land.

What Ivaniushchenko is suspected of

According to the NABU and the SAPO, Yuriy Ivanyushchenko is a defendant in a case of corrupt acquisition and subsequent legalization of 18 hectares of state land with a market value of over UAH 160 million. This is the land under the Stolychnyi market in Sofiyivska Borshchahivka.

In September, law enforcement officers also served a notice of suspicion to Vlada Molchanova, a Kyiv developer. According to the investigation, she and Ivaniushchenko had a conflict over control of the market, which the parties tried to resolve bypassing the law.

What happened before

• The HACC imposed a preventive measure in the form of detention on Ivaniushchenko in absentia.
• The former MP was put on the wanted list.
• Law enforcement officials report that Ivaniushchenko has been hiding from the investigation since 2014.

After the appeal is decided, the court of first instance will have to reconsider the arrest request. At the same time, Ivaniushchenko himself formally remains a suspect, and the case of the Stolychnyi market continues to be in the focus of anti-corruption authorities and the media.

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