Case description
On November 23, 2023, the HACC imposed a 2-year probationary period on Poltava Regional Council official Maryna Didenko, who had helped local MP Smirnov embezzle UAH 100,000 of budget funds. The parties concluded a plea agreement.
In September 2023, the NABU-SAPO exposed Oleksandr Smirnov, a member of the Poltava Regional Council from the Servant of the People party, for creating a scheme to embezzle UAH 100,000. According to the investigation, Smirnov engaged Maryna Didenko, a consultant from the regional council, to transfer money to his relative from a fund to support low-income citizens and those with health problems.
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Smirnov's cousin received the money on the basis of a forged medical certificate. Subsequently, UAH 100,000 was seized.
Didenko pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate. She was charged as an accomplice under Article 191, part 4 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The HACC exempted the official from actual punishment with a probationary period of 2 years. In addition, Didenko was banned from holding certain positions for a year.
