Official's $17 Million Declaration: Cash Allegedly Found in Grandmother's Garage.

The Case of Oleksandr Subbotenko

According to TSN.ua: Senior Ukrainian official Oleksandr Subbotenko has declared over 17 million hryvnias, claiming the money was an 'inheritance' discovered in his grandmother's garage. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has not verified this account, and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) is now handling the case. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's fight against corruption within its public institutions.

Subbotenko, the acting head of Ukraine's State Environmental Inspectorate, stated in his declaration that he found $653,000 USD in his grandmother's garage. This claim has raised significant questions, as his grandmother, Berberian, retired in 1984. The Kominternivskyi District Court of Kharkiv has already refused to recognize Subbotenko's right to this alleged 'inheritance.'

Investigation and Reactions

A separate investigation by the State Environmental Inspectorate led to the seizure of $880,000 USD and 210,000 euros from an official in Dnipro. Meanwhile, the SBI continues its probe into Subbotenko's 'treasure' case.

Oleksandr Subbotenko: 'Many people used to hide money under a mattress. Let's be honest, that's how it was. She minded her own business. I didn't delve into the specifics.'

Legal expert Serhii Mytkalik offers a different perspective, calling this a 'common argument for legalizing funds of unknown origin.' He noted that both a notary and the court rejected Subbotenko's claim because it appears to be an attempt to legitimize assets obtained through grey or criminal schemes.

Confusion surrounds the currency involved, with figures cited in both hryvnias and U.S. dollars. The fundamental question of the money's origin remains unanswered. As the situation develops, the investigation's details may clarify these complex circumstances. This case underscores the critical need for transparency in the financial disclosures of public officials to maintain public trust.