Two «assistants» of a Ukrainian MP flee to Moldova, third one detained
In a dramatic turn of events, two aides of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Ihor Mosiychuk have fled the country and sought refuge in Moldova, while their colleague has been detained by authorities.
The two aides, Serhiy Antonov and Oleksandr Kryvenko, reportedly left Ukraine on Wednesday, following an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) into their alleged involvement in a bribery scheme. The investigation, which was initiated in August 2019, looked into the possible embezzlement of 500 thousand hryvnias (approximately $19,000 USD) from a state enterprise.
According to NABU, the two aides were supposed to hand over the bribe money to the Moldovan deputy minister of internal affairs, which raises concerns about potential corruption and ties between the two neighboring countries.
While the whereabouts of Antonov and Kryvenko remain unknown, their third colleague and fellow aide, Mykhailo Riabokon, has been arrested and is currently in custody.
The news of the aides’ escape and detention has stirred controversy in Ukraine, with opposition politicians and activists accusing the authorities of using the investigation as a means to silence dissent. Mosiychuk, who is a member of the far-right Radical Party, has been vocal in his criticism of the current government, particularly on its policy towards Russia.
The MP himself has denied any involvement in the bribery scheme and has condemned the actions of his aides. He also questioned the timing of the investigation, which came just weeks before the parliamentary elections in October.
Meanwhile, the Moldovan authorities have issued an international arrest warrant for Antonov and Kryvenko, and have notified Interpol of their escape to the country. The Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated that it is ready to cooperate with the Ukrainian authorities in the investigation of the bribery case.
Ukraine and Moldova have a long history of close political and economic ties, with a significant number of Ukrainians living and working in Moldova. However, in recent years, there have been tensions between the two countries, particularly over the issue of the breakaway region of Transnistria, which is pro-Russian.
The news of the aides’ escape to Moldova has sparked concerns about the possible exploitation of these ties by corrupt politicians and their associates. It also highlights the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and cooperation between the two countries to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The timing of the aides’ escape, just months before the parliamentary elections, has also raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about possible political motivation behind the NABU investigation. The authorities have denied any political influence in the case and have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
The escape and detention of these aides serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and fighting corruption in Ukraine. It also shows that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or political affiliations.
The Ukrainian society expects transparency and accountability from its leaders and is counting on the authorities to bring those responsible for corruption to justice. As the country continues on its path towards European integration, it is crucial to tackle corruption and promote good governance to ensure a prosperous and just future for all Ukrainians.
The actions of these aides might have caused a setback in this process, but it is also an opportunity for the authorities to show their commitment to upholding the values of democracy and rule of law. It is also a chance for the Moldovan government to demonstrate its determination to combat corruption and strengthen its ties with its neighbor, Ukraine.
In conclusion, while the escape and detention of two «assistants» of a Ukrainian MP may have created a stir, it is also a wake-up call for both countries to address the issue of corruption and strengthen their cooperation in the fight against it. Only then can we truly build a brighter future for Ukraine and Moldova.
