A Bribe in Crypto and a Swift Trial: Why MP Odarchenko’s Case Stands Out

In November 2023, the NABU notified Odarchenko of suspicion for offering and giving a bribe in cryptocurrency. Less than six months later, the SAPO sent the case to court, where it moved quickly as well. By November 2024, the HACC found Odarchenko guilty and sentenced him to eight years of imprisonment with asset confiscation. The HACC Appeals Chamber upheld the verdict, making it final.

The speed of this case — under a year and a half across two judicial instances — was largely made possible by the single-judge trial mechanism, introduced in the HACC following amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code in April 2024. This is a clear example of how single-judge proceedings, instead of panels of three judges, can accelerate anti-corruption trials and make justice more efficient.

At the same time, the case revealed systemic procedural challenges: the defendant evaded court, illegally left the country, and was declared internationally wanted. This once again highlights the persistent issue of corruption suspects fleeing abroad, which undermines the enforcement of verdicts.

So what exactly did Odarchenko offer and how did he attempt to transfer the bribe? Which pieces of evidence did the court consider decisive? Why did the appeals chamber reject the defense’s arguments about provocation? And what broader implications does this case have for Ukraine’s anti-corruption practice? Read the full story on our platform HACC Decided.