SAO prosecutors seek five-year prison sentence for Serhiy Kuzminykh on abuse of influence charges

Prosecution submits demands to the court

A prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAO) has petitioned the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) to convict Serhiy Kuzminykh, a member of parliament from the "Servant of the People" party. The prosecution is seeking a sentence of five years' imprisonment for abuse of influence.

In addition, prosecutors are asking the court to replace the suspect's round-the-clock house arrest with pre-trial detention. They are also requesting, in the interests of the state, that 558,000 hryvnia, which was seized as physical evidence, be retained.

Details of the charges

According to investigation data, in 2021–2022, Serhiy Kuzminykh promised a private company that he would help it win tenders for the supply of medical equipment to a hospital in Zhytomyr. In return, the MP demanded a fee of 30% of the value of the contracts concluded.

In January 2022, the elected representative was caught in the act of receiving 558,000 hryvnia. The MP himself denies the charges.

Statute of limitations for the case

The statute of limitations for criminal liability in this episode expires in January 2027. After this period ends, the MP will be able to petition for the termination of the criminal proceedings.