HACC redirects UZ suspect’s bail of ₴33M to Armed Forces

The HIgh Anti-Corruption Court released Kostyantyn Melnyk, co-owner of Ukrainian Pipeline Company LLC, on personal bail, and transferred UAH 33.3 million of the bail that was paid for him to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This decision was made by the investigating judge of the Supreme Court of Ukraine, Vitaliy Kryklyvyi.

As is known, on March 15, 2024, Melnyk was given a preventive measure in the form of detention with the alternative of bail in the amount of UAH 33,308,000. The suspect's defense filed a motion to change the preventive measure and request that the bail be transferred to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The defense attorney's motion to change the preventive measure for the suspect (Melnyk) in criminal proceedings is granted. Change the preventive measure in the form of a bail in the amount of UAH 33,308,000, applied to the suspect by the decision of the investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine dated March 15, 2024, to a personal obligation. Transfer the funds deposited into the account of the High Anti-Corruption Court as a bail for the suspect to the official account of the United24 fundraising platform (a special account of the National Bank of Ukraine

Melnyk was ordered to appear at every summons from the investigator or court, to report any change of residence, and not to leave Ukraine without permission.

The press service of the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed the fact of transferring funds for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but did not indicate the name of the suspect.

Recall, NABU and SAPO previously reported suspicions to MP Viktor Bondar. According to the investigation, MP Bondar and businessman Volodymyr Kotlyar developed a scheme to supply products to Ukrzaliznytsia at inflated prices. To implement this scheme, they entered into a conspiracy with members of an organized group that informally controlled the activities of companies and ensured their victory in UZ tenders for kickbacks.

During 2021–2022, UZ entered into contracts with controlled companies to supply products at inflated prices. As a result of the scheme, the state-owned enterprise suffered losses of over UAH 140 million.