A member of the Odessa Regional Council responded to reports of searches at his home

Andriy Babenko, a member of the Odessa Regional Council and founder of the "Samson" security agency, denied reports that his home had been searched.

The day before, reports circulated online that law enforcement officials were conducting investigative actions as part of an investigation into possible illicit enrichment and money laundering.

Intent reached out to the deputy for comment but did not receive a direct response. Instead, Babenko posted a video message on Facebook in which he denied the reports of searches.

“There were no searches at my residence today. We’re in touch, we’re working, and we’re not stopping,” the lawmaker stated.

“Before spreading sensationalist stories, check your facts. A lie doesn’t become the truth, no matter how many times it’s reposted,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to information circulating in the media and on Telegram channels, there was talk of possible investigative actions as part of a criminal proceeding regarding illicit enrichment. It was reported that the investigation may have been prompted by inaccurate information found in the lawmaker’s financial disclosure statements.

Intent reviewed Babenko’s 2025 financial disclosure statement, in which he stated that he rents an apartment in the village of Tairova and has the right to use a residential building with an area of 132.7 square meters, which is registered under the name of Tamara Vornika.

A 2008 Toyota Sequoia SUV is also registered to her, which the deputy uses as well.

The deputy also reported:

• cryptocurrency worth 5 million 800 thousand hryvnias;
• $309,500 in cash;
• a loan from “Glybokyi Yar” Farming LLC in the amount of over 4,100,000 hryvnias;
• income from business activities totaling over 9 million hryvnias;
• 30% of the corporate shares in the security company “Samson-Group-06,” valued at 900,000 hryvnias;
• 100% of the corporate rights in “Warrior” Mixed Martial Arts Fight Club LLC, valued at 5,000 hryvnias;
• a Longines watch, listed among high-value assets.

Earlier, in May 2025, the National Agency for Corruption Prevention completed a full audit of the lawmaker’s 2023 declaration and identified discrepancies totaling over 28 million hryvnias.

In particular, the NACP concluded that the declared $450,000 in cash could not have been accumulated from verified income.

Ірина Глухова