Detectives from Ukriane's National Anti-corruption Bureau (NABU) have prevented Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy (independent) Boryslav Rozenblat from leaving Ukraine with evidence important to the so-called 'amber case' in which he has been implicated, as well as with jewels and money received in suspected illegal payments.
"NABU detectives on October 19 prevented Rozenblat from taking evidence important to the case out of the country and ensured that he would be present at court hearings [in Ukraine]," the NABU's press service said on Friday.
NABU said its agents searched the plane [Rozenblat had boarded] pursuant to Part 3 of Article 233 of Ukraine's Criminal Code to preserve items that may be used as evidence in the 'amber case.' NABU added that Rozenblat himself was not detained.
Investigators said Rozenblat intended to take abroad communications equipment that may contain evidence of concealment of committed crimes, evidence and valuable items.
"During the search carried out in the airplane, NABU detectives seized mobile telephones, computer devices and items resembling expensive jewels. In addition, credit cards issued by foreign banks and passports, including a diplomatic passport, were seized," NABU said, adding that it served Rozenblat with a notice to appear in Kyiv's Solomiansky District court as a witness.
Rozenblat had been required to wear an electronic bracelet until October 16. Ukraine's Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) has applied for the measure to be extended.
As reported, in June, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine Artem Sytnyk reported a scheme of illegal amber mining, in which MP Rozenblat and MP Maksym Poliakov of the People's Front faction were involved. The amount of received bribes exceeded UAH 300,000.On July 12, 2017, the Verkhovna Rada approved prosecution of Poliakov and Rozenblat, but voted against their detention and arrest.
