A Podilskyi District Council official in Poltava was detained for a bribe of $13,000

A Podilskyi District Council official in Poltava was detained for a bribe of $13,000

The preliminary information about Botsenko’s detention was reported by "Poltava" yesterday, citing its own sources here.

Now the official information about the investigation is known. According to it, the bribe was intended for the preparation of documents for the transfer of land plots for the construction and maintenance of residential houses. It concerned plots for three ATO participants, whose interests were represented by a lawyer. Law enforcement clarifies that the official did not act alone — he demanded money for himself and a third party, using his official position. According to operational information, Botsenko also acted as an intermediary between "clients" and deputies who were to make decisions on the land transfer.

During searches at his workplace and residence, documentation and a mobile phone, which may contain evidence of the corruption scheme, were seized. His actions are qualified under part 3 of article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — obtaining undue benefit by an official in a responsible position. The sanction of the article provides for up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Poltava has selected a preventive measure for the suspect — detention with the right to post bail in the amount of 240,000 UAH. He has also been suspended from his position.

According to the declaration for 2024, Oleksandr Botsenko does not own real estate or vehicles. Last year, he received a salary of 315,000 UAH and declared 250,000 UAH in cash. In the 2020 elections to the Kyiv District Council, he ran from the "Opposition Platform — For Life" party but was not elected. At that time, he headed the "Svicha" charity fund.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement authorities are identifying other possible participants in the corruption scheme.