Agribusiness under Russian law led to the arrest of a Kherson politician

Valery Saltikov, a member of the Kherson Regional Council, was not granted a more lenient pretrial measure based on his status as a legislator, his health, or his family circumstances. The court concluded that, in the case involving alleged collaboration with the occupying authorities, the risks to the investigation remain significant.

This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.

According to the court ruling, Saltikov’s defense team requested a change in the pretrial measure, emphasizing that the council member has a permanent place of residence, has a positive character reference, has no prior criminal record, is raising a young child, and suffers from serious chronic illnesses requiring ongoing treatment.

The attorney also noted that the suspect’s elderly mother is in Germany and has serious health problems. In addition, the defense claimed that restrictions on the use of IP telephony in the pretrial detention center are allegedly being used as a means of exerting pressure on the suspect.

The prosecutor opposed granting the motion, noting that the suspicion remains well-founded and that the circumstances that served as the basis for pretrial detention remain relevant.

According to the investigation, after the occupation of part of the Kherson region, Saltykov remained in the occupied territory and re-registered the companies under his control in accordance with Russian law. These include “Kakhovka Specialized Motor Transport Enterprise-2107” and “Graal Pivden.” Additionally, according to law enforcement officials, he headed a number of agricultural companies that continued to operate under the control of the occupying administration. In total, according to the investigation, the suspects controlled at least eight companies.

Law enforcement officials believe that the deputy sought permits from the occupying authorities to cultivate land, made payments to the occupying administration’s budget, and ensured the companies’ operations under occupation. In addition, he is accused of managing other agricultural enterprises re-registered under Russian law, organizing their operations, registering equipment, maintaining records, and providing fuel, personnel, and material resources. According to the investigation, he received monetary compensation for these activities.

The judge noted that information regarding the suspect’s health, family circumstances, and positive character references had already been taken into account when determining the pretrial measure and therefore did not constitute new circumstances. The judge also rejected the arguments regarding the inability to receive medical care in the pretrial detention center, noting that the law guarantees detainees both primary and specialized medical care.

Consequently, the defense’s motion was denied, and the lawmaker will remain in pretrial detention.

AsIntent has learned, the prosecutor’s office established that less than two weeks after receiving the notice of suspicion, Valery Saltykov transferred 11 real estate properties to his daughter, Alina Radion. These include an apartment measuring over 206 square meters, four parking spaces, and six non-residential premises in Kyiv.

Анна Бальчінос