The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has discovered assets worth millions of hryvnias in the possession of one of the heads of the Main Department of the State Tax Service (STS) in the Sumy region, the origin of which has no reasonable grounds.
This is Artem Sniezhko, who until recently served as the head of the Main Directorate of the State Traffic Safety Administration in the Sumy region.
According to the investigation, Sniezhko illegally seized assets worth over 7 million hryvnias. The court has already seized a 2022 Lexus RX 350 worth 3.1 million hryvnias, which was actually used by his wife. However, the car is registered to a third party, which may indicate an attempt to hide the property.
Four real estate properties (three apartments and a parking space) with a total value of UAH 3.9 million were also seized. All of these properties are registered in the name of the mother of the official's wife, which indicates a possible concealment of assets.
Despite criminal proceedings and suspicions of illegal enrichment and money laundering, Sniezhko continues to hold a high position in the State Tax Service Main Directorate in Sumy region.
Although the NACP, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) have already collected enough evidence for criminal prosecution, the tax service is not taking any action. Instead, sources say, the DPS leadership is covering for the official, giving him the opportunity to hide behind sick leave and vacations.
Previously, the DPS leadership was advised of the need to fire Sniezhko, but this was never done. The corrupt resource he possessed probably became a temptation even for his immediate leadership.
The discovered assets could become the basis for the official's complete suspension and further legal proceedings. The public and law enforcement officials expect the State Tax Service of Ukraine to finally react and prevent the official from escaping responsibility.
If the fact of illegal enrichment is proven in court, Sniezhka faces real imprisonment in accordance with Ukrainian law.
