Court seizes Odesa Zoo buildings in corruption case

The court arrested the buildings of the Odesa Zoological Park on suspicion of misappropriation of local budget funds. It is about possible embezzlement during the overhaul of the heating system.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Prymorskyi District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, on January 5, 2026, a senior operative of the Strategic Investigations Department reported to the police about possible abuses in the performance of construction work by Energorezhim LLC. The contractor performed work under a contract dated 11/20/2025 for more than UAH 4.7 million concluded with the zoo. Under the contract, the contractor had to complete the overhaul of the boiler equipment by December 25, 2025.

During the pre-trial investigation, it was found that the actual scope of work differed significantly from the declared one. Law enforcement officers believe that Energorezhym LLC officials entered false information into the acceptance certificates and certificates of value. The documents indicated works that were not actually performed or were partially performed in violation of technological requirements. The volumes and prices of materials were also overstated.

During the inspection of the zoo' s territory, the investigators recorded the facts of non-fulfillment of some of the works: there were no structural elements, materials and engineering solutions specified in the reporting documentation. This confirmed that part of the funds paid from the budget was transferred without any grounds.

According to the investigation, the contractor's actions caused damage to the utility, and also created a threat of alteration or destruction of evidence, such as data on the actual amount of work performed, materials and equipment used.

The judge granted the motion filed by the prosecutor of the Prymorskyi District Prosecutor's Office and ordered the seizure of non-residential buildings and structures on the territory of the Odesa Zoo, where the heating system was overhauled and boilers were replaced. Until the investigation is completed, alienation of this property and any construction, repair or restoration work is prohibited in order not to change the condition of the facilities and not to destroy traces of a possible criminal offense.

The solid fuel boiler that heated the elephant sanctuary, the administrative building, and a dozen other animal facilities failed at the end of the heating season last year.

Анна Бальчінос