A high-profile scandal has erupted in the Dnipropetrovsk region: a local deputy has been charged with kidnapping a serviceman and extorting a huge sum of money. According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the crime relates to a conflict over a business in solar power plants purchased back in 2021.
In 2021, the suspected MP decided to join the activities of a Dnipro entrepreneur who was building solar power plants. He purchased equipment, but did not register it properly and probably did not receive the expected profit. This led to accusations against the entrepreneur, who was later mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Starting in 2022, the suspect repeatedly called the mobilized businessman demanding his money back. During this time, the amount of the “debt” constantly changed, until in late October 2024, the extortion reached a critical point.
In the last days of October 2024, on the highway near the village of Spaske, the deputy, together with his accomplices, blocked the car of a serviceman. Threatening with physical violence, they demanded $2.5 million and the re-registration of the company in their favor. After the victim refused, he was beaten for 40 minutes, and then forcibly taken to a building, where they held him for almost a day, threatening him with torture and murder.
After another death threat during a personal meeting, the deputy was detained by law enforcement officers. He is currently being held in custody with the option of posting bail in the amount of 1.2 million hryvnias. The prosecutor, disagreeing with the court's decision, filed an appeal, demanding a harsher punishment.
Law enforcement officers are continuing the investigation and identifying other individuals who may have been involved in this crime. The Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol is coordinating procedural actions to bring the case to court.
The suspect faces serious punishment under Part 2 of Article 146 and Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - unlawful deprivation of liberty and extortion accompanied by violence and torture. The maximum penalty for such crimes is up to 15 years in prison.
