Investigation Unfolds as Mayor and City Council Secretary Face Allegations of Corruption
The mayor of Novomoskovsk, Sergei Reznik, along with the city council secretary, Vladimir Artyunov, has been placed under judicial custody following allegations of extortion and receiving significant illicit gains. The decision was made by the Kirovskiy District Court, as reported by «Dnepr Operativny.»
According to information released by the State Bureau of Investigation, both officials have been ordered to remain in custody with the possibility of posting bail set at 3 million hryvnias each.
Their detainment came on the heels of a failed attempt to solicit a bribe from a local entrepreneur who intended to renovate an incomplete school building to be repurposed as dormitory housing for displaced persons. The officials reportedly demanded a bribe of $30,000 for their cooperation in the project.
Reznik and Artyunov now face serious charges under Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses extortion and corruption, carrying potential penalties of up to 12 years in prison along with asset confiscation.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns related to corruption within local government, as authorities continue to intensify their efforts to combat such practices. The case has drawn significant attention, reflecting a growing call for accountability and transparency among public officials in the region.
