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Rivne Oblast council member suspected of illicit enrichment

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Rivne Oblast council member suspected of illicit enrichment
Cash discovered during searches of Rivne Oblast administration deputy suspected of illicit enrichment. Photo published on Nov. 25, 2023. (Prosecutor General's Office/Telegram)

A member of the Rivne Oblast Council has come under suspicion for illicitly acquiring assets worth millions of dollars, the State Bureau for Investigation (DBR) announced on Nov. 25.

The official also held the position of deputy head of the Poliskyi Forestry Office of the Forests of Ukraine state enterprise. The company identified the man as Vitalii Sukhovych.

The Forests of Ukraine commented that the enterprise's leadership decided to dismiss Sukhovych six months ago, but the process was not finalized due to his hospitalization and other reasons.

Searches of the suspect's residence and office led to the discovery of over $4 million in various cash currencies, three expensive cars, gold, weaponry, jewelry, and other valuable accessories.

The council member also owned four plots of land in Rivne on which he built cottages.

Criminal procedures against the official are ongoing. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Opinion: Are Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts at a standstill?
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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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