Case description
The NABU and the SAPO accuse Artur Tovmasian, former head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, his deputy, and his lawyer of receiving a UAH 1.05 million in bribes.
According to the investigation, at the beginning of 2021, Artur Tovmasian, head of the Kharkiv Regional Council, together with his deputy Andrii Malysh and lawyer Ruslan Tanabash, demanded a bribe from Serhii Shparkyi, director of the regional municipal specialized enterprise for the implementation of environmental safety standards.
The defendants allegedly asked for money to keep the director in office. They received the bribe in parts, and criminal proceedings were registered due to the statement of the director of the ME.
From December 11, 2020, Malysh and Tovmasian held senior positions that gave them direct and indirect influence over staffing decisions at the municipal enterprise. The director’s contract was managed by the Regional Council, and one of its standing committees, reportedly under Malysh’s control, could initiate dismissal proceedings.
According to the case materials, Andrii Malysh instructed Serhii Shparkyi to speak with Artur Tovmasian to “negotiate” the terms of his continued employment. At subsequent meetings, Tovmasian allegedly insisted that the enterprise’s operations be coordinated with his trusted representative, while Malysh hinted that bribes should be arranged through Tanabash.
Malysh later allegedly demanded 75% of the enterprise’s quarterly profit (UAH 1.05 million) as a condition for allowing Shparkyi to keep his job. Within days, the first two tranches, UAH 300,000 and UAH 200,000, were paid. At following meetings, Malysh repeatedly assured Shparkyi of his “protection” from law enforcement and political threats, while also expressing frustration at delays in delivering the remaining funds. He eventually warned that his support would cease and implied that negative consequences would follow unless payment was completed.
After the next bribe tranche of UAH 200,000 was paid, several council members who had previously exerted pressure on Shparkyi reportedly ceased their actions. On that same day, Andrii Malysh demanded the final payment.
Tovmasian’s accomplices were detained during a search at the regional council in July 2021. They were caught in possession of the final bribe payment—UAH 350,000. Soon after, Tovmasian himself was notified of suspicion. In December 2023, Tovmasian joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, this has not impeded the trial, as he participates in court sessions remotely.
Tovmasian and Malysh are charged under Article 368(4) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Lawyer Ruslan Tanabash is charged as an accomplice.
