Completion of Vitaliy Shabunin’s Investigation: Recovered Devices and New Details Revealed

The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has finalized the criminal investigation into prominent civic activist and head of the ‘Center for Anti-Corruption’ Vitaliy Shabunin.
During these investigative actions, law enforcement officials also returned electronic devices that were seized during the search.
According to official statements, the investigation is complete, and the materials have already been submitted to the court for further review.It is noteworthy that in public sources and official communications, Shabunin’s name is not directly mentioned — he is referred to as a ‘military personnel.’ Representatives of the Ukrainian Justice Protection Association noted that, given the circumstances of the investigation, officials considered his status as a serviceman in the context of violations of military legislation.According to the investigation, Shabunin did not appear at his place of service, which he mobilized in 2022, and received salary payments unlawfully, causing damage to the state of over 224,000 hryvnias.
Additionally, he is accused of evading military service for an extended period while being in civil institutions under the guise of official business trips, which are not part of the defense forces.
The investigation also examined the usage of vehicles designated for military needs; based on the findings, no grounds for suspicion were established against him regarding this aspect.Another significant development is that during a search in Kharkiv region, seized electronic devices were returned to Shabunin after all procedural actions were completed.
The official documents state that the charges against him include articles concerning evasion from military service during wartime, and accusations of fraud.Within the same criminal case, a suspicion has also been announced against a commander who assisted Shabunin in evading military duties.
He is suspected of aiding and abetting in crimes involving abuse of official position, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to ten years.After reviewing the case materials, the prosecution will file the charges to court for final assessment and sentencing.
It is also noteworthy that the Pechersk District Court has already chosen a personal guarantee measure for the activist.
These developments have caused wide discussion in society, with many perceiving them as politically motivated attempts to intimidate active citizens expressing criticism of government actions.