Markushin charged with kidnapping, fraud and embezzlement

Alexander Markushin, who was removed from the post of mayor of Irpin on 27 January, has been named a suspect in 18 criminal cases. Among the charges brought against the former mayor are serious offences such as unlawful deprivation of liberty, torture, fraud, document forgery and the embezzlement of funds from the local budget of the destroyed city of Irpin.

Information about the cases was published by the outlet MistoInform.

On 24 January, the court selected detention as the preventive measure for Markushin, and three days later he was officially dismissed from his position. According to the investigation, while serving as mayor, Markushin allegedly threatened witnesses, dismissed them, and destroyed evidence and documents related to the investigations.

Among the criminal cases in which the former mayor is a suspect, the most high-profile are:

• No. 62022000000000193: Articles 127, 146, 187, 289, 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. These charges relate to torture, kidnapping, robbery, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and the seizure of citizens' property and vehicles.

• No. 42023112320000784: Article 239 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This concerns the pollution or damage of land, which caused harm to the environment, human health and life.

• No. 12024111040001090: Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Organising the illegal smuggling of persons across the state border.

• No. 12024111050000987 and No. 42024110000000129: Embezzlement of budget funds through inflated salaries.

• No. 12022111040000482: Article 357 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Appropriation, theft and extortion of documents, seals and stamps.

• No. 12024111040000895: Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Fraud.

• No. 12024111040000647: Violation of obligations regarding the collection of share contributions from developers and abuse of office.

In addition, the former mayor is accused of misappropriation and embezzlement of property, as well as the forgery of official documents, stamps and seals. These charges are linked to cases No. 12023110000000665, No. 2023111040001176, No. 12024111040001486 and No. 12025111040000044.