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Ukrainian Lawmaker Faces Trial for Alleged Bitcoin Bribery
A Ukrainian lawmaker is set to stand trial after allegedly trying to bribe a government official with $10,000 worth of Bitcoin, according to anti-corruption officials.
Case Details
The case centers around serving lawmaker Andriy Odarchenko, an MP for the Kharkiv Oblast constituency representing the ruling Servant of the People Party. In August 2023, Odarchenko allegedly attempted to bribe the head of the State Reconstruction Agency, Mustafa Nayem, to help allocate funds to repair Kharkiv State Biotechnology University.
Bitcoin Bribery Allegations
Odarchenko reportedly promised Nayem an “illegal” Bitcoin payment equivalent to $50,000. He provided a partial amount of BTC 0.39, valued at $10,000 at the time. This case marks the first anti-corruption probe in Ukraine involving cryptoassets.
Investigation and Conclusion
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) initiated the probe in November 2023 and completed it in January 2024. NABU hopes that the case will be considered by the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) in a reasonable timeframe.
Regulatory Environment
Kyiv is currently working on crypto regulation inspired by EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). In January, Kateryna Rozhkova, the First Deputy Governor of the Ukrainian central bank, stated that cryptoassets are not considered as money.
Ian is a cryptocurrency enthusiast blending humor with professionalism. With an engineering background and a storyteller's heart, he simplifies the blockchain world with sharp analysis and a touch of wit. At Cryptowire, he brings his unique perspective to make digital financial innovation accessible to all.
