A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered that Agriculture Minister Mykola Solyk be placed in custody for alleged involvement in the illegal acquisition of land owned by the state worth $7 million.
![Ukraine Court orders Agriculture Minister to be arrested Ukraine Court orders Agriculture Minister to be arrested](https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-img/img/2024/04/17/550x309/World_News_1713332107319_1713332146018.jpg)
Solsky has denied the accusations, which are based on events that occurred between 2017 and 2021 before his appointment as Agriculture Minister in March of 2022. Bail was set at 75,7 million hryvnias by the judge.
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Solsky submitted his letter of resignation on Thursday, but remains technically in office until the parliament has considered his request. Solsky is the first minister to have been named as a suspect by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a case of corruption.
Solsky will remain in jail until the 24th of June, according to Solsky’s judge. The prosecutor told the court on Thursday, that Solsky could face up to twelve years of imprisonment for his allegations.
Solsky is not available for comment at this time.
Solsky (44), has played a key role in Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its grain-producing industry, as Russia has invaded the country and blocked Black Sea routes for export, planted landmines on fields, and occupied farmland.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, allegations are related to an attempt to get land valued at 190 millions hryvnias and a plan to buy land owned by state.
Prosecutors said that under the scheme alleged, land was taken illegally from two state companies and given to veterans with the condition that they rent it out to private firms.
Solsky’s lawyer and he told the Thursday hearing that Solsky had not benefited from such a scheme.
Reuters reached out to a major Ukrainian farming union, but they declined comment when contacted about the Solsky custody decision.
Zelenskiy has pushed for a zero tolerance policy on corruption. Last year, he replaced his minister of defence after allegations of graft pertaining to that ministry.
The text of this article has not been modified. It was created from the automated feeds provided by news agencies.
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