The leader of the "Batkivshchyna" party, Julia Tymoshenko, has found herself at the epicenter of a loud corruption scandal. On the morning of January 14, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) conducted searches in the party's office and brought official charges against the politician.
What the Anti-Corruption Agency Incriminates
According to the investigation, Tymoshenko is suspected of offering an unlawful benefit to members of parliament for voting in the Verkhovna Rada. In audio recordings published by NABU, the politician allegedly discusses a system of payment for specific votes.
Details of the Accusation
In a conversation recorded on January 12, Tymoshenko claims that "we are paying 'ten' for two sessions". Anti-corruption agencies qualify her actions under part 4 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - offering an unlawful benefit to an official.
Tymoshenko's Reaction
The politician categorically denies all accusations, calling the searches a "political order". According to her, during the night-time investigative actions, her work phones, parliamentary documents, and personal savings were seized.
"More than 30 armed men without any documents actually seized the premises," Tymoshenko stated, comparing the events to the times of Viktor Yanukovych's presidency.
Investigation Prospects
According to anti-corruption agencies, about 20 members of parliament from various factions may be involved in the case, who allegedly received money for voting on specific bills.
