On August 17, 2023, the HACC found Artur Herasymov, an MP of the 8th and 9th convocations, guilty of failing to declare property worth about UAH 8 million. For this, he was fined UAH 51,000.
In his amended declaration for 2020, Artur Herasymov failed to indicate a two-story villa with a parking space in Spain, owned by him and his wife, worth a total of €252,000. In addition, he failed to mention the money in foreign currency kept in one of the Ukrainian banks.
The general public found out about Herasymov's villa in April 2021 after the publication of the Schemes journalistic investigation, which covered the MP's Spanish home.
As the investigation established, the MP purchased this property back in 2013 for over €227,000. Over $1,600 in accounts at Ukrainian banks also turned out to be undeclared.
Initially, the MP's whereabouts were unknown, but they were later established, and the indictment was served on him in person.
Herasymov was charged under Article 366-2(1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The HACC found the MP guilty of filing a false declaration, fined him UAH 51,000, and banned him from holding certain positions for a year.
However, the HACC released Herasymov from punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Disagreeing with the verdict, the prosecutor filed an appeal with the HACC, seeking to overturn the verdict and issue a new one requalifying Herasymov's actions under Article 366-2(2). The prosecutor also sought to impose on Herasymov a penalty of 240 hours of community service, together with a three-year ban on holding public service positions.
On November 15, 2023, the HACC Appeals Chamber dismissed the prosecutor's appeal and granted the defense's motion to release Herasymov from criminal liability and close the criminal proceedings. The court overturned the first-instance verdict, released Herasymov from punishment due to the expiration of the statute of limitations, and closed the case.
08/02/2023
