The DBR (State Bureau of Investigation) uncovered a scheme of illegal enrichment involving a former head of the tax service in Odesa, who, according to investigators, purchased several luxury cars at significant discounts totaling over 5
3 million hryvnias. This case has become one of the most high-profile in the region recently and highlights the issues of corruption among high-ranking officials of government structures. According to the press service of the State Bureau of Investigation, the ex-head of the Main Department of the State Tax Service in Odesa region, whose name is not officially disclosed at this time, abused his official position by engaging in corruption schemes and simultaneously concealed his substantial gains. Investigation has established that the family of the former official was involved in acquiring luxury vehicles at prices significantly below market value—possibly to avoid taxation and hide actual income. Sources within law enforcement agencies report that among the found vehicles are a 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser 200, bought for only 300,000 hryvnias, and a popular premium crossover, the Audi RSQ8 of 2020, which normally costs over three million hryvnias today but was purchased for 1.4 million. This points to deliberate undervaluation at the time of purchase, likely aimed at reducing tax liabilities and hiding true income. Over the following months, the situation grew more complicated: the Audi RSQ8 was resold at market value, and the proceeds were used to acquire another high-end vehicle — a BMW X7 xDrive. Currently, investigators and anti-corruption officials suspect that such embezzlement of funds indicates criminal activity aimed at exceeding legally earned income. The Prosecutor’s Office of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court to declare these assets illegal. The court has already imposed a seizure on two vehicles — the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and the BMW X7 — to prevent further alienation or use in corruption schemes. Another, no less scandalous incident occurred earlier — on May 9. Law enforcement detained the Deputy Rector of the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, suspected of abuse of office. According to the investigation, the official, using his position and involving military personnel and academy staff, initiated large-scale construction of private housing in nearby settlements. These corruption schemes were uncovered precisely by the DBR, which recently reported on widespread abuse and illicit enrichment among officials working in key regional institutions. The initiation of criminal proceedings and the seizure of assets indicate a systematic effort by law enforcement to combat high-level corruption, but also raise concerns over possible side processes of abuse and concealment of illegal income among officials. Overall, this series of investigative actions and court decisions underscores the need to strengthen the anti-corruption system and improve control over the property declarations of civil servants. For the time being, corruption among high-ranking officials remains one of the main obstacles to improving public well-being and reforming state institutions. Analysts emphasize that only transparency, effective investigation, and strict enforcement of laws can restore citizens’ trust in government and ensure justice in society.