Bihus.Info: Жена врио главы БЭБ Киева, имея стоматкабинет, официально заработала 63 000 грн

{"title":"Wife of Kyiv's Acting Anti-Corruption Bureau Chief Earned Just $1,700 Despite Owning Dental Practice, Investigation Reveals","content":"<p>A new investigative report by Bihus.Info has uncovered significant discrepancies between the official income declarations and apparent lifestyle of Roman Lysakovsky, the acting head of the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) in Kyiv. According to the investigation, his wife, who operates a dental practice, officially declared earnings of only 63,000 hryvnias (approximately $1,700) — a figure that raises serious questions given the typically lucrative nature of private dental services in Ukraine's capital city.</p><p>The investigation has revealed that substantial assets used by Lysakovsky, including a house near the capital and a vehicle, are registered in his mother's name rather than his own. This practice of registering property under relatives' names has become a common method for Ukrainian officials to obscure their true wealth and avoid scrutiny from anti-corruption bodies. The Bureau of Economic Security, ironically the very institution Lysakovsky heads in Kyiv, was established specifically to combat economic crimes and investigate financial misconduct.</p><p>The Bureau of Economic Security was created in 2021 as part of Ukraine's broader anti-corruption reform efforts, largely driven by requirements from international partners including the European Union and International Monetary Fund. The agency replaced the tax police and was designed to investigate economic crimes, tax evasion, and financial fraud. Officials working within such institutions are expected to maintain the highest standards of transparency, making any discrepancies in their personal financial declarations particularly damaging to public trust in these reform institutions.</p><p>The declared income of 63,000 hryvnias for an entire year from a dental practice stands in stark contrast to market realities in Ukraine. Private dental services in Kyiv typically command premium prices, with even basic procedures often costing several thousand hryvnias. A single dental implant procedure can cost anywhere from 15,000 to 50,000 hryvnias, meaning the declared annual income would represent revenue from just a handful of patients — highly implausible for an operating dental cabinet in the capital city.</p><p>This case highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's fight against corruption, even as the country pursues European Union membership and continues to receive substantial Western financial and military support during its war against Russian aggression. International partners have consistently emphasized that anti-corruption reforms are essential for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration. The European Commission's regular progress reports have noted both achievements and ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of public officials and the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.</p><p>The practice of hiding assets through family members has been documented extensively by Ukrainian investigative journalists and anti-corruption activists. Despite legal requirements for comprehensive asset declarations, creative schemes involving relatives, complex corporate structures, and offshore accounts continue to plague the system. The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has electronic declaration systems in place, but verification remains challenging, particularly when assets are deliberately obscured through third parties.</p><p>Bihus.Info, the outlet that conducted this investigation, has established itself as one of Ukraine's most prominent investigative journalism organizations. The team has previously uncovered numerous high-profile corruption cases involving government officials, military procurement fraud, and abuse of power. Their investigations have led to criminal proceedings and dismissals of public servants across various levels of government. As Ukraine continues to strengthen its institutions amid ongoing conflict, such journalistic oversight remains crucial for maintaining accountability among those entrusted with protecting the nation's economic security.</p>}