The highly publicized case involving the embezzlement of UAH 2.5 million in state funds, in which current Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna is among the defendants, has been delayed once again. The hearing did not proceed due to the absence of one of the defendants. The specific individual was not named.
Stefanishyna, who in 2024 was fined by the HACC for missing a hearing, did appear this time via video conference.
The case has faced repeated delays since December 2024. Because the alleged crimes occurred in 2013–2014 and the statute of limitations is 15 years, continued delays raise increasing concerns about whether the case will be resolved in time.
The NABU accuses Stefanishyna of complicity in the misappropriation of over UAH 2.5 million intended for aligning Ukrainian legislation with EU law. At the time, she worked at the Ministry of Justice. Investigators claim ministry officials transferred these funds to various companies and individual entrepreneurs without sufficient legal grounds.
Stefanishyna and others are charged under Article 191(5) and Article 366(1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — misappropriation or embezzlement of property through abuse of office, committed on a large scale or by an organized group, and official document forgery.
The next hearing is scheduled for September 11.