The NABU and the SAPO accused Viktor Lunhul, former head of the Department at the Odesa Regional Council, of illegally removing two architectural monuments from state ownership. Now, he is facing up to 6 years in prison.

Viktor Lunhul allegedly organized the sale of Marazli Villa and Fabrytskyi Estate in Odesa at low prices. In 2017, these facilities were leased to a private company called Krok Vpered for a period of 10 years. The following year, according to the investigation, Lunhul helped to make these facilities subject to privatization. 

In 2018, the property was sold to a tenant company for UAH 29.7 million, which is half the market price. In addition, the company received a 1.2-hectare land plot for free, although it was not included in the contract. The cost of using the land plot is estimated at over UAH 56 million. 

The total losses to the Odesa community amount to more than UAH 80 million. Viktor Lunhul’s actions were qualified under Article 364(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.