In Odessa Region, a high-ranking official has been exposed for corruption: a migration service officer is suspected of hiding real estate and movable property valued at over 83 million hryvnias
This is one of the largest cases of extensive tax evasion and anti-corruption violations in the region in recent years. According to information available from sources within the Office of the Prosecutor General and the State Bureau of Investigations, investigators found that the head of one of the departments of the Main Directorate of the State Migration Service in Odessa region, who earns a formal monthly salary of 28,000 hryvnias, deliberately concealed a significant asset portfolio. Investigators estimate that assets registered in his name or his relatives’ names include real estate, a car, cryptocurrencies, and other valuables valued at over 83 million hryvnias — many times more than his declared income. According to sources of "Ukrainian Pravda," the case primarily involves Andriy Morara — the department head who, over several years, concealed a substantial amount of property not commensurate with his official income. Investigations revealed that he owns or controls entire complexes of real estate in central Odessa, including a house over 200 square meters with a land plot valued at more than 7 million hryvnias. Additionally, his name is associated with office and commercial premises, a recreation base, stores, and several land plots in Bileharod-Dnistrovskyi and resort Zatoka. However, the investigation indicates that he actually controls all this property, although officially it was registered in the names of his mother or his children’s mother. Further, it was discovered that Morara concealed a Mercedes-Benz G400D 2023 model, valued at around 5.7 million hryvnias. This luxury SUV was officially registered in his mother’s name, suggesting an attempt to hide the true owner and evade tax and anti-corruption controls. Special attention was paid to a cryptocurrency asset — 37 Bitcoin units, estimated at approximately 58 million hryvnias. According to the investigation, this virtual currency, as well as euro and dollar cash totaling 100,000 and 200,000 respectively, are also registered under the family’s name and are actually owned, according to the investigation, by the officer’s wife. This was done to artificially inflate his wealth and create an illusion of substantial income. It is important to note that none of these assets were properly registered or declared in accordance with the law. The total value of hidden assets exceeds 83 million hryvnias, which is over 500 times the legal threshold for liability for false declaration. Such actions are qualified under Article 366-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for fines and even imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies have already conducted a series of investigative actions. For instance, by court order, one of the most elite vehicles belonging to the official — the Mercedes-Benz G400D — was confiscated. This confiscation is a testament to the seriousness of the investigation and confirmation of legal violations. Currently, work is underway to establish the origins of the funds and other assets, with additional checks ongoing. According to reports, this case serves as an important signal to government agencies that the fight against corruption in Odessa is ongoing and gaining new momentum. Earlier, in April 2024, law enforcement uncovered an entire network of migration service officials who “earned” from foreigners by offering illegal services for bribes amounting to several tens of thousands of dollars. In those cases, a corruption scheme was uncovered that allowed leadership to abuse their official powers and illegally obtain income significantly exceeding their legitimate earnings. The DbR (State Bureau of Investigation) detained and conducted searches in offices and homes of officials. Investigations revealed assets worth at least 140 million hryvnias in their possession — far exceeding their official salaries over several years of work. Among other evidence, the investigation has data on ownership of houses, land plots, luxury cars, and jewelry, confirming the scale of illegal activities. Currently, the case materials have been transferred to the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which will petition the High Anti-Corruption Court to recognize the official’s assets as unjustified and, if possible, to confiscate them for the benefit of the state. A court hearing is expected in the coming months, involving all evidence and witnesses. This case is a clear example of the consistent efforts by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies to combat corruption at the highest echelons of power. It demonstrates that abuse of office and tax evasion will ultimately face deserved legal and societal consequences. Investigations and courts will continue to support the cleansing of government institutions and strengthen citizens’ trust in the justice system, encouraging officials to act honestly and transparently, rather than hiding illegal wealth.