Kyiv City Official Faces Trial for Inflating Park Repair Costs by 2 Million Hryvnias.

Prosecution of KyivZelenbud Director for Negligence

According to Novyny.live: A senior manager from the municipal enterprise 'KyivZelenbud' is set to stand trial in Kyiv. He is accused of official negligence that resulted in over 2 million hryvnias in losses to the city budget during renovations at a park near the Yordanske and Kyrylivske lakes. The official allegedly signed a contract for major repairs and landscaping in the Obolon district, with a total value exceeding 9 million hryvnias.

Investigators found that construction material prices in the budget estimate were artificially inflated, leading to substantial financial damage to the city. The official's actions have been classified as criminal negligence under Part 2 of Article 367 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The investigation has concluded, and the indictment has been sent to court.

Potential Penalties for the Accused

If found guilty, the defendant faces 2 to 5 years in prison, a ban from holding certain positions for up to 3 years, and a fine ranging from 250 to 750 times the tax-free minimum income. Earlier this year, a separate scheme involving embezzlement was uncovered within the Kyiv City State Administration, highlighting the broader context of this case.

This case underscores systemic issues in Ukraine's municipal resource management, where abuse and corruption can lead to significant financial losses for cities. It also reinforces the need for strict oversight of publicly funded projects and budget programs. Such incidents may serve as a catalyst for reforms in municipal asset management and future anti-corruption efforts.