The court kept the mayor of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi in custody but reduced his bail

Vitaliy Grazhdan, the mayor of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, was remanded in custody for another two months, though the court reduced his bail to 1.6 million hryvnias.

This is stated in a ruling by the Primorsky District Court of Odesa.

Grazhdan is accused of organizing extortion. The prosecutor requested that he remain in custody and that his bail be set at 8.32 million hryvnias.

The prosecution also moved to have him removed from office as mayor. The defense, in turn, requested that the preventive measure be changed to house arrest and objected to the mayor’s removal.

The court decided to extend Hrazhdan’s detention until October 12, 2026. At the same time, the court reduced the bail amount proposed by the prosecutor to 6.656 million hryvnias.

If the bail is posted, the defendant will be able to be released from custody but will be required, among other things, not to leave Odesa without the court’s permission, to surrender his passport, to refrain from communicating with the victim and witnesses, and to wear an electronic ankle monitor.

The court explained its decision by citing the risks outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Specifically, these include the possibility of absconding from the court, influencing the victim and witnesses, and committing another criminal offense. Separately, the court noted that Hrazdan is already facing criminal charges in another proceeding.

In addition, the court suspended Grazhdan from his position as mayor of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi for 60 days—until October 12. In the court’s view, while in office, he could use his official position to unlawfully influence the victim and witnesses or obstruct the criminal proceedings.

Separately, the court instructed a unit of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to locate four witnesses and ensure their appearance at the next hearing, scheduled for September 16.

It is worth noting that this is the second time the mayor’s bail has been reduced. Initially, it stood at 9.984 million hryvnias; subsequently, the Primorsky District Court lowered it to 8.32 million, and now—to 6.656 million hryvnias.

Intent is following the case of Vitaliy Grazhdan,the mayor of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi .Together with his accomplices, he organized an attack on the co-owner of a resort in Serhiivka. Under threat, the woman was forced to transfer 50% of her corporate rights to the property. The mayor later found buyers for his share and was detained while receiving an advance payment of 30,000 dollars.

This is not the first time law enforcement has taken an interest in the official: back in 2022, the SBU conducted searches of his office and home in connection with a case involving possible abuses during the payment of compensation for a missile strike.

Ірина Глухова