Lawyer Sukhanov caught taking $1m bribe

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained lawyer Alexander Sukhanov, who heads the UDAR party in Odesa Oblast, in the act of receiving a $1m bribe. The incident exposed links between Sukhanov and senior officials in the capital, as well as corrupt schemes related to the allocation of land plots.

Corruption scheme around Nalyalka Park

Sukhanov acted in partnership with representatives of the Kyiv City State Administration (KMSA) and members of the Kyiv City Council. He offered to "sort out issues" regarding the lease agreements for land plots within Nalyalka Park — a site that had been actively promoted by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The land, located in a protected nature zone on the banks of the Dnipro, could be allocated through structures controlled by the Kyiv City Council and the KMSA, Sukhanov claimed. He demanded $1m for his services, of which he had received $900,000 in cash prior to his detention.

Caught red-handed

Sukhanov was detained by SBU officers while receiving the second part of the sum. According to the investigation, his actions were coordinated with party colleagues who were to ensure the unimpeded adoption of decisions at the local government level.

Reaction to the scandal

The public is demanding explanations from Vitali Klitschko and his party. This incident has dealt another blow to UDAR's reputation, particularly against the backdrop of discussions about possible elections.

Consequences

Sukhanov faces criminal liability for receiving undue advantage on a particularly large scale. Other participants in the scheme, including officials from the KMSA and the Kyiv City Council, have also come under scrutiny.

While Klitschko and his team attempt to defend themselves, critics have already proposed a new slogan for the party: "UDAR = corruption".