Ruslan Hupalenko, commander of the 21st Platoon for Combating Underwater Sabotage Forces and Means of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was sentenced to three years in prison in Odessa. The serviceman was found guilty of systematic bribery and legalization of property obtained by criminal means.
As it became known from the verdict of the Primorsky District Court, since August 2024, Gupalenko forced his subordinate to collect 30% of additional payments for the performance of combat missions from the personnel. Over several months, he thus received at least $4,400 in cash and 67,500 hryvnias by transfer to a card.
In addition, on November 21, 2024, the unit commander used part of these funds to purchase a 2012 Volkswagen Passat for $7,800 and UAH 4,200, after which he re-registered the car in his name. This transaction became the basis for the charge of money laundering.
During the trial, Gupalenko admitted his guilt in full and entered into a plea agreement with the prosecutor. The court took into account his sincere remorse, cooperation with the investigation, and family circumstances, including his mother's serious illness. At the same time, it was decided to confiscate all of the convict's property and ban him from holding command positions for the next three years.
Gupalenko will remain in custody until the verdict becomes final. After that, he will be sent to the place of serving his sentence.
