Former prosecutor sentenced to 6.5 years for taking a $100,000 bribe
The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court upheld the sentence against O. Galchenko-Avilov, the former head of a department at the Office of the Prosecutor General, and his accomplice, I. Osipovich. One of them will serve 6 years and 6 months in prison, and the other will serve 6 years. The case involves $100,000 that they demanded in exchange for returning four luxury cars and closing a criminal case.
On August 21, 2026, a panel of judges from the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court considered the appeals in the case of the former prosecutor and his accomplice. The court found no grounds to overturn the High Anti-Corruption Court’s January 3, 2025, verdict. Therefore, the previously imposed sentences remained unchanged. According to the case file, O. Galchenko-Avilov and I. Osipovich were involved in a scheme involving illicit gains. The amount in question was $100,000, which was allegedly to be transferred to the leadership of the Office of the Prosecutor General.
They planned to use this money to influence the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Specifically, the plan involved securing the return of four luxury cars seized during searches, as well as the subsequent dismissal of the case itself. The cars included a Mercedes-Benz S400 CDI, a Porsche Macan GTS, a Bentley Continental GT, and a Land Rover Range Rover.
What Punishment Did the Former Prosecutor Receive?
The court found the former head of a department within one of the divisions of the Office of the Prosecutor General guilty of aiding and abetting the provision of an unlawful benefit on an especially large scale. He was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison.
In addition, the former prosecutor was barred from holding positions in law enforcement agencies for three years. The court also ordered the confiscation of $60,100. Separately, he was stripped of his rank of Senior Counselor of Justice.
What his accomplice received
The court found I. Osipovich guilty of instigating the provision of a bribe totaling $100,000. He was sentenced to 6 years in prison. The court also ordered the confiscation of half of the property he owns. Thus, both defendants received actual prison terms, and the appeal did not result in a reduced sentence.
The verdict can still be appealed
The decision of the VAKS Appeals Chamber took legal effect immediately upon its announcement. At the same time, the convicted individuals have the right to challenge it in cassation. To do so, they may appeal directly to the Supreme Court within three months. Thus, at this stage, the verdict remains in effect: the former prosecutor must serve 6 years and 6 months behind bars, and his accomplice—6 years. This was reported by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.
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