The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine (SAP) has initiated a new criminal investigation into Member of Parliament from the “Dovira” group, Serhiy Shakhov
This occurred in the context of journalistic investigations that drew attention to possible violations related to his declaration, particularly concerning his residence in Dubai and potential concealment of assets worth millions of hryvnias. The new legal step marks another stage in the complicated history of his alleged misconduct at the intersection of politics and corruption risks. At the end of April 2025, the SAP filed information into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations regarding an investigation by the "Schemes" journalistic project (Radio Liberty). The focus was on data indicating that Serhiy Shakhov, who was officially wanted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) for over two years due to suspicions of non-declaration of assets amounting to approximately 88 million hryvnias, actually resides in luxury apartments in Dubai. According to journalists, his common-law wife rents these apartments, and these expenses were not disclosed in his declarations. This raised major suspicions about potential inaccuracies in the information provided in his declarations for 2022, 2023, and 2024. According to official data, the grounds for initiating criminal proceedings stem from "processing information published in a journalistic investigation." Based on this information, on April 25, 2025, the SAP submitted a request to the acting Prosecutor General to include details in the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations concerning possible false declarations for the relevant years. Under Article 366-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, false reporting carries penalties including fines, restrictions of liberty for up to two years, or even imprisonment. Additionally, if found guilty, measures may include restrictions on holding certain positions or performing specific functions for three years. Prior to this, Serhiy Shakhov last visited the Verkhovna Rada in November 2022. Civic activists and analytical organizations, including the "Chesno" movement, report that the deputy regularly participates in parliamentary sessions, although usually with cameras turned off and voting in line with the majority. At the same time, his personal life and property status remain subjects of suspicion, given the concealment of assets such as 13 apartments in central Kyiv, 8 parking spaces, several cottages near Kyiv, and land plots totaling over 115 hectares. The investigation is currently being conducted by the High Anti-Corruption Court, where a case is being considered regarding unsubstantiated allegations of asset concealment significantly exceeding declared incomes. Law enforcement officials note that due to Shakhov’s reluctance to appear at court hearings and ignoring summonses, he has been declared wanted. Meanwhile, his lawyer states that Shakhov is currently abroad— in Kyrgyzstan, where he is undergoing treatment—and justifies his absence by claiming that he cannot temporarily attend court. Overall, the Serhiy Shakhov case again draws attention to issues of transparency and integrity in Ukrainian politics, where concealment of wealth and possible false declarations have become commonplace practices among some lawmakers. The high level of public interest indicates that combating corruption at the highest levels of government remains one of Ukraine’s most pressing issues and continues to cause concern among the public, international partners, and law enforcement agencies.