Ukraine's Ex-Ambassador to US Accused of Illicit Enrichment

Ukraine's former ambassador to the United States, OlHa Stefanishyna, faces accusations of illicit enrichment, according to the Prosecutor's Office for Combating Corruption. The office has proposed bail set at $290,000 for Stefanishyna, who was dismissed from her ambassadorial post less than a year ago.

Prosecutors allege that Stefanishyna failed to declare two apartments and substantial funds spent on apartment renovations, her mother's medical treatment, airfare, and rent for another apartment. Additionally, she is accused of using a Mercedes registered to one of her subordinates without proper declaration.

The Prosecutor's Office stated that Stefanishyna's expenditures significantly exceeded her declared income and savings, estimating the total value of assets acquired over 18 months at $310,000. The office also claims Stefanishyna interfered in the 2024 selection process for the head of the National Anti-Corruption Agency.

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Sve proceduralne radnje su deo zakonom određenog rada sistema za sprovođenje zakona i ne predstavljaju utvrđivanje krivice. Ovo prihvatam mirno i bez nepotrebnih emocija

Stefanishyna responded calmly, stating, "All procedural actions are part of the legally defined work of the law enforcement system and do not constitute a determination of guilt. I accept this calmly and without unnecessary emotions." She acknowledged media attention regarding her properties and asserted that she has provided journalists with all necessary documentation concerning the apartments in question.

"The burden of proof lies with those who present them, and as for me, I will do what I must: I will calmly and legally defend my position and have no doubt about the outcome," Stefanishyna added.

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Teret dokazivanja je na onima koji ih iznose, a što se mene tiče, uradiću ono što moram: mirno i zakonito ću braniti svoj stav i ne sumnjam u ishod