Andriy Odarchenko, an MP from Ukraine’s Servant of the People faction and a fugitive on the national and international wanted lists, has been sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for attempting to bribe Mustafa Nayyem, head of the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development. The sentence, delivered by the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) on November 14, includes full asset confiscation and a three-year ban on holding public office.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) announced the verdict on its Telegram channel, stating that Odarchenko was found guilty under Part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for offering an “undue benefit” to a high-ranking official. According to SAPO, the evidence gathered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and SAPO prosecutors was instrumental in securing the conviction.
The incident traces back to September when Odarchenko was scheduled to appear before the HACC but failed to attend without explanation. SAPO then initiated a state and international search for the MP, suspected of offering a $50,000 bribe to Nayyem in exchange for assistance securing state funds for repairs at a university under Odarchenko’s control. On September 23, HACC ruled to proceed with an in absentia trial, also seizing a UAH 15 million bail that had been posted on Odarchenko’s behalf.
According to Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, parliament did not grant Odarchenko permission to cross Ukraine’s borders, though recent reports confirm that he has left the country. Odarchenko’s sentence can be appealed within 30 days in an appellate court.
