In Kherson, investigators uncovered documents detailing a humanitarian aid scheme

Law enforcement officials have taken an interest in the humanitarian activities of one of Kherson’s civil society organizations. Investigators are looking into whether charitable aid and donations intended for residents of affected communities were used for personal gain. 

This was reported by Intent, citing a ruling by the Mykolaiv Central Court.

According to the investigation, the probe concerns the activities of the NGO “City of Strength,” registered in Kherson. Law enforcement officials believe that since 2022, certain members and founders of the organization may have organized a scheme to use humanitarian aid and charitable donations to generate income during the war.

Investigators analyzed the organization’s financial statements for 2022–2025. In particular, it was determined that in the first quarter of 2024, the NGO made payments as humanitarian aid to residents of the Novovorontsov community in the Beryslav district. At the same time, law enforcement officials are investigating whether any portion of the humanitarian resources and financial flows was used for illegal purposes.

Law enforcement officials believe that not only employees of the NGO but also business representatives and certain officials may have been involved in the alleged scheme. Among those under investigation was a driver who may have transported the organization’s financial and operational documentation and reports.

In late April, law enforcement officials conducted a search of his residence. During the search, they seized documents, including purchase and sale agreements, receipts, powers of attorney, papers bearing the NGO’s details, and a cell phone. Investigators believe that these items may contain information about the organization’s activities and the circumstances being examined in the criminal proceedings.

The court agreed with the prosecution’s arguments regarding the need to preserve the documents and the phone as potential physical evidence and ordered their seizure. At the same time, the court denied the request to seize 91,000 hryvnias in cash. The investigating judge noted that the prosecution had not proven a connection between these funds and a possible crime, nor had it provided sufficient grounds to consider them the subject or proceeds of a criminal offense. The pretrial investigation is currently ongoing.

As reported by Intent, in April 2026, SBU officers conducted a search at the Novovorontsov Town Council. During the search, law enforcement officers seized a cell phone. The prosecutor’s office insisted that the phone might contain information important for establishing the circumstances of the case, so it needed to be seized to preserve evidence.

Анна Бальчінос