08 October 2026
(ILLUSTRATION: Intent/AI)
The head of the Department of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism of the Raukhiv Town Council was cleared of criminal charges related to forgery. The case involved the renovation of a cultural center, where law enforcement officials uncovered instances of misuse of funds.
The Center for Public Investigations examined the details of the case.
According to the investigation, in May 2023, the official and a businessman entered into a contract for the major renovation of the Raukhiv House of Culture. Afterward, according to the prosecution, the head of the education department signed a certificate of completion, even though some of the work listed in it had not actually been performed.
Specifically, this involved the removal of old window frames and sills, the installation of window sills and flashings, as well as the installation of metal-plastic windows and doors. Investigators believed that the official certified false information with his signature and seal and forwarded the documents to the State Treasury Service.
In June 2026, the defense attorney requested that the official be exempted from criminal liability for official forgery due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The judge determined that the three-year statute of limitations for this part of the case had expired on May 17, 2026. The court found no evidence that the defendant had evaded the investigation or trial or had committed a new crime.
Read the full version on the CPR website: Part of the case against an official in Odesa Oblast regarding repairs at a cultural center has been closed
Additionally, the former first deputy director of the Odesa City Council’s Department of Municipal Security and the director of a private company avoided criminal liability. Currently, part of the case regarding the forgery of documents during the procurement of armor plates has been closed.
Анна Літман