The head of the Shatsk National Park is on trial for embezzling a million hryvnias, but she still manages the institution

The head of the Shatsk National Park is on trial for embezzling a million hryvnias, but she still manages the institution

The director of the Shatsk National Nature Park, Mariya Khrystetska, is being tried on charges of large-scale embezzlement of budget funds, yet she continues to hold her position and even received approval for the extension of her contract — without a competitive process.

According to the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI), the case against Khrystetska was submitted to court back in May 2023. According to the investigation, the official, in collusion with her cohabitant and three subordinate division heads, fictitiously hired six «dead souls» — employees who did not exist. Over the course of nine months, she personally received their salaries.

The fictitious employees supposedly held positions as legal advisors, scientists, and technical staff. Thus, more than 1 million hryvnias of budget funds were embezzled through the scheme.

Mariya Khrystetska is accused of abuse of office, fraud, embezzlement of property, forgery of documents, and the creation of an organized criminal group. Her accomplices are charged with fraud and official forgery.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, the director continues to perform her duties, and the decision regarding her contract is made outside the competitive procedure. This arouses public outrage and calls into question the effectiveness of personnel policy in state conservation structures.