The NACU has initiated an investigation into possible large-scale abuses by government officials from Khmelnytskyi region
Under scrutiny are the declarations of Tetyana Kroupa, the chief medical examiner of the regional medical and sanitary examination center, which, according to anti-corruption agencies, contain financial violations amounting to over 34.8 million hryvnias. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) paid special attention to Tetyana Kroupa’s 2022 declaration. A thorough review revealed signs of artificially inflated property assets and false information indicating illicit enrichment exceeding 16.5 million hryvnias. At the same time, the entries made by the official and her husband regarding the transfer of over 38 million hryvnias abroad in various currencies are almost unsubstantiated by relevant documentation — nearly 16.4 million of these funds remain unaccounted for in legal declarations. Kroupa’s leadership position has proven to be not only corrupt but also connected to real cash and assets not reflected in her official reports. During a re-investigation in 2023, it was found that she owns undisclosed assets valued at more than 18 million hryvnias, belonging to her husband. According to sources within the agency, these financial holdings were not included in her declaration and likely remained hidden from official authorities. Another alarming find was cryptocurrency belonging to Tetyana Kroupa’s husband. The movements and transfers of these assets remain unverified, raising additional concerns about the legality of their origin. Overall, inconsistencies totaling over 18.3 million hryvnias were uncovered in her 2023 declaration during the investigation. The background of these high-profile events began on October 4, 2024, when law enforcement conducted searches at the head of Khmelnytskyi’s medical and social examination commission (MSEK) and her son — a representative of the regional Pension Fund. According to preliminary information, both Tetyana Kroupa and her son, Oleksandr, were detained on suspicion of illicit enrichment and involvement in corruption schemes. Subsequently, on October 7, the Pechersky District Court of Kyiv chose to remand her in custody for two months with a very high bail — 500 million hryvnias. Simultaneously, investigative agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), began probing criminal schemes related to the official’s property and finances. It was revealed that the head of the MSEK owns a significant amount of real estate — over 128 residential and non-residential properties, including buildings, apartments in district centers and the capital, entertainment complexes, garages, and parking spaces. Furthermore, she owns 140 land plots of various categories, more than 30 high-end vehicles, corporate shares, and millions of hryvnias on bank accounts. The firearms seized during searches also attract attention. In an already published investigation, Hromadske reports that in the village of Volytsia in Khmelnytskyi region, the Kroupa family accumulated substantial wealth — 10 land parcels and over nine residential buildings purchased during 2021–2022. This indicates a systemic pattern of illegal financial and property schemes still under close law enforcement scrutiny. In late March 2024, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine (VAKS) extended her detention and, for the fourth time, reduced the previously set bail — now it is only 20 million hryvnias, which opens further legal avenues for her eventual release upon payment. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have already placed seizures on assets and property linked to the suspects, initiating confiscation proceedings. According to NABU, investigators have at their disposal 128 real estate objects, dozens of land plots, luxury cars, and even firearms. This represents a significant effort to combat corruption in Khmelnytskyi region, demonstrating that even high-ranking officials abusing public trust can be held accountable. Investigation activity increased again in November 2024: journalists from Hromadske received information that in the village of Volytsia, the family of the former head of the MSEK owns not only significant assets but also several plots of land and real estate connected to Russian segments, which they had concealed for years. Moreover, VAKS has repeatedly extended her preventive measures, indicating the seriousness and complexity of the case. All this highlights a major challenge for Ukraine’s system of governance and anti-corruption efforts — the assets of a high-ranking official on a scale that exceeds legal bounds, and their possible concealment through international schemes. At the same time, ongoing criminal proceedings and arrests offer hope that Ukraine will be able to halt this large-scale corruption collapse and restore public trust in the system of authority.