Natalia Nestor: hidden wealth and scandalous cases

The Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (KNISE), one of Ukraine's oldest and most respected institutions, has found itself at the centre of a series of high-profile scandals. 

The dismissal of Director Oleksandr Ruvyn due to his possession of a second citizenship has raised doubts about the transparency and ethics of this state institution's operations.

Nestor against the backdrop of scandals
One of the key figures at KNISE is long-serving Deputy Director Natalia Nestor. Since the decision not to renew Ruvyn's contract, public attention has shifted to her activities, particularly her financial situation, which is raising an increasing number of questions.

Assets not reflected in declarations
Despite the absence of income and asset declarations since 2021, Nestor holds a significant list of assets:

• House near Kyiv: A 209-square-metre property that she and her son have used since 2016, which previously belonged to a foreign citizen.
• Apartment in Kyiv: Owned since 1994, with an area of 94 square metres, it is likely rented out.
• Unfinished garage: In 2020, she purchased a 45-square-metre garage in Sofiivska Borshchahivka.

The official's car fleet
Natalia Nestor's car fleet is also surprising, including:

• Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (2020 model), purchased for $40,000–50,000.
• Mercedes-Benz GLC220D and Toyota RAV4, as well as her husband's car, a Mercedes-Benz SLC 300 (2019 model), worth approximately $30,000.
  The question of where a state official obtained such funds remains open.

The Nestor family's income
Official data on the family's income also raises questions. In 2020, Nestor declared 574,000 hryvnia, which amounts to approximately 47,800 hryvnia per month. Meanwhile, her husband declared an annual income of only 2,500 hryvnia. However, according to financial reports from his companies, his income has increased significantly.

Nestor's legal problems
Natalia Nestor is also involved in several court cases. These include:

• Mobbing of subordinates: Nestor is accused of the unlawful dismissal of research staff member Anatoliy Starukhevych and the application of psychological pressure against him.
• Lawsuits against the patrol police: She has repeatedly attempted to challenge fines for traffic violations, including driving in the public transport lane.
• Enforcement proceedings: Eight enforcement proceedings have been opened against her, most of which are related to traffic violations.