Title: Unexplored Allegations of Fraudulent Disability Benefits Among Hmelnytskyi Prosecutors
Unian, Kiev – The mystery surrounding potential wrongdoing in the acquisition of disability status among 67 prosecutors in Hmelnytskyi remains unsolved. The Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) has been unable to substantiate any fraudulent activity.
The Anti-Corruption Centre (ACC) sought clarification on the matter via a request to the OPG. However, the OPG’s response highlighted the limitations of their internal inquiry, stating, "It’s impossible to affirm or refute the media allegations without conducting additional procedural actions."
The OPG’s inability to confirm any irregularities does not exonerate the prosecutors. It simply underscores the need for more thorough investigation, which the internal probe could not provide.
Background:
The controversy escalated following a series of exposés on corruption within the Ministry of Social Policy’s Expert Commission (MSEK), notably in Hmelnytskyi. Subsequent revelations revealed that many prosecutors enjoyed lavish disability payments, thanks to a legislative loophole established in 2001.
In wake of these findings, former prosecutor general, Andriy Kostin, resigned. Following an internal review, the OPG reported that as of Nov 11, 2023, 523 out of 9,087 prosecutors nationwide had been granted disability benefits, representing under 6%. However, higher-than-average rates were seen in Hmelnytskyi (29%) and Cherkasy (27%) regional offices.
While the OPG’s internal inquiry found no proof of wrongdoing, these figures raise red flags. Thus, further probing is warranted.
