Unexpected events occurred in Berdychiv: the city mayor, Serhiy Orlyk, was detained by the police, which caused widespread resonance in local and Ukrainian media
According to law enforcement authorities, this step was taken within the framework of an investigation opened into a criminal proceeding concerning possible receipt of a bribe by an official. The information was confirmed by representatives of the National Police of Ukraine, in particular, the spokesperson of the Department of Strategic Investigations, Natalia Kalinovska, who told Ukrainska Pravda that the detention took place as part of a criminal investigation involving facts of extortion and obtaining illegal benefits. The incident came as a surprise to the residents of Berdychiv, as the first reports of the mayor's detention appeared on June 20 in the daytime. Details about the situation began to emerge from local sources and news websites. "Suspilne" contacted Mayor Serhiy Orlyk in the morning of the same day, but his phone was unavailable at the time of our inquiry. Meanwhile, the local online publication "Rio-Berdychiv" published a photo of the detention and details of the event, not hiding the situation from the public. The mayor's advisor, Artur Ivanenko, commented to "Suspilne" that he currently has no information about Orlyk’s detention or the investigation process. This raised additional questions among residents and activists who wanted to learn more about the motives and circumstances of the detention. The president and local authorities drew attention to the situation: whether it is related to political intrigue or specific corruption schemes — the investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement promises to disclose additional details in the near future. According to official information, the detained mayor is currently in the detention center. Responsible officials from the police department have pledged to provide more detailed data about the circumstances of the detention, as well as possible motives and grounds for opening a criminal case. All versions are currently considered, but the leading one involves suspicion of bribery, which is a serious blow to the reputation of the public and the city authorities of Berdychiv. As more details become available, they will be announced through a press conference or an official statement, since this case has significant social importance, touching upon the fight against corruption and abuse of power in the region. The lack of comments from the detained mayor at this moment leaves many questions unanswered, but it is evident that this event could become an important precedent in the struggle for transparency and integrity of governance in Ukraine.