HACC lifts some restrictions on deputy prosecutor

The High Anti-Corruption Court has lifted restrictions on movement within Ukraine, but extended the remaining duties of the deputy head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor's Office, Natalia Maksymenko, until May 24. The NABU and the SAPO suspect her of extorting and receiving $40,000 in illegal benefits.

The deputy prosecutor of the Zaporizhia region was released from custody after posting bail with the following obligations: to appear upon first demand; not to leave the Zaporizhia region without permission; to report any change in her place of residence and/or place of work; to refrain from communicating with a number of persons; to hand over her international passports and to wear an electronic bracelet.

Later, the bracelet was removed from her, and therefore the prosecutor of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office requested that the remaining duties be continued. However, the court canceled the obligation to appear upon first demand and not to leave the Zaporizhzhia region without permission. The court also reduced her bail from 8 to 6 million UAH.

The motion of the SAPO prosecutor to extend the term of office in criminal proceedings shall be partially granted. The term of office of the suspect (Maksimenko - ed.) shall be extended for two months, i.e. until May 24, 2025... The motion of the suspect's defense counsel to change the preventive measure shall be partially granted. The amount of bail as an alternative preventive measure shall be reduced from 8,000,000 hryvnias to 6,000,000 hryvnias

As a reminder, Maksymenko was caught red-handed while receiving an illegal benefit. According to the investigation, she demanded $40,000 for resolving the issue of changing the subject of investigation in criminal proceedings, canceling the seizure of property, and avoiding prosecution under other articles of the Criminal Code.

Natalia Maksymenko is a figurehead of the EBK base.