211th brigade commander issued charges for power abuse
Source: State Bureau of Investigation
The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) said on Tuesday it has launched an inquiry into reports of misconduct and abuse within the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade after police filed charges against its commander Oleh Poberezhniuk over abuse of power.
The investigation was prompted by media and social media reports alleging mistreatment of subordinates and hazing practices. The Specialized Defense Prosecutor’s Office in Ternopil initiated criminal proceedings, incorporating evidence from internal inspections by the Ministry of Defense’s main inspectorate.
The case gained public attention following a journalistic investigation by Ukrainska Pravda. Former officer of psychological support Tymofiy Ostafiichuk accused the brigade’s leadership of mistreating soldiers, sparking widespread condemnation.
According to the SBI, the brigade soldiers hadn’t filed and complaints before the scandal erupted. The bureau urged military personnel to promptly report such incidents to ensure timely responses and prevention.
Meanwhile, the National Police is investigating allegations that Poberezhniuk forced his unit personnel to work as construction workers at his private residence in the Khmelnytskyi region.
The investigation found that Poberezhniuk allegedly ordered four servicemen to stand in as builders forging documents on their deployment to Mykolaiv Oblast. These servicemen reportedly received wages and combat payments amounting to nearly one million hryvnias.
On December 17, Poberezhniuk was charged with abuse of authority. Law enforcement conducted searches at the military unit, Poberezhniuk’s residence, and the construction site, seizing documents and other evidence related to the alleged offenses.
The case gained public attention following a whistleblower report revealed by Ukrainska Pravda. Former officer of psychological support Tymofiy Ostafiichuk accused the brigade’s leadership of mistreating soldiers, sparking widespread condemnation.
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