Ex-mayor of Irpen Oleksandr Markushin, who organized the repression of the UOC, has been announced a new suspicion of corruption

Ukrainian law enforcers have announced a new suspicion against the former mayor of Irpen, Oleksandr Markushyn. The former official, known for his active participation in the seizures of Ukrainian Orthodox churches, is suspected of abuse of office for the purpose of illegal seizure of communal property. This is not the first criminal proceeding involving the former mayor.

As reported by the Information and educational Department of the UOC, referring to the data of the investigation, the incident occurred in 2019. At that time, Alexander Markushin held the position of Deputy Mayor of Irpen and, according to the version of law enforcers, organized a scheme of illegal alienation of a land plot and boiler room building, located in the central part of the city. In this regard, he is charged with committing a crime under part 2 of article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position).

Earlier, a case was already opened against Markushin in connection with his travel abroad in August 2022. According to official information, the trip to Italy was undertaken to organize assistance to the military. However, according to the prosecutor, the former mayor could not provide any documents confirming his volunteer activities abroad during the period in question.

On October 25, 2023, in the city of Irpin, Kyiv region, at the initiative of the local city council, the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was «transferred» to the PCU .