High Anti-Corruption Court Sentences Case of Embezzlement at Dovzhenko Studio for Over 4.4 Million Hryvnias
On August 14, the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine delivered a comprehensive verdict in a high-profile case involving large-scale embezzlement and abuse of office at one of the country’s most significant cultural sites – Kyiv’s O.
Dovzhenko National Film Studio.
The panel of judges meticulously examined the evidence and testimonies, ultimately finding two defendants guilty of crimes related to embezzling state funds, abuse of authority, and money laundering derived from illegal activities.According to the court decision, the former chief engineer of the state enterprise ‘Olexander Dovzhenko National Film Studio’ received a sentence of 7 years and 6 months of imprisonment.
He was convicted of misappropriating over 4.4 million hryvnias of government money and abusing his official position, which facilitated illegal enrichment.
Besides imprisonment, he is barred from holding managerial roles for three years and had half of his property confiscated.The ex-CEO of a private company was also found guilty under articles concerning money laundering and abuse of office.
He was sentenced to over eight years in prison, with a ban on holding administrative positions for three years and confiscation of assets.
The sentence takes effect after 30 days unless appealed.This case is directly connected to events in 2018, when the studio announced a tender for supplying television and audiovisual equipment.
Although the equipment was supposed to be delivered by late 2018, only a portion arrived in April 2019.
The former engineer facilitated a scheme that resulted in over 4.4 million hryvnias being paid for equipment that was never delivered.Law enforcement agencies uncovered evidence of misconduct in September 2022, and by March 2023, the former director received additional charges for money laundering related to the illicit funds.Category: Corruption and Crimes in the Cultural Sector