The ‘Carthage’ Case May Take Years – ILI Head on Suspilne

The investigation into the ‘Carthage’ case may take five, ten or even 15 years, depending on the course of the judicial proceedings. At the same time, it is important to ensure a transparent procedure for appointing a new Prosecutor General already now. Tetiana Khutor, Head of the Institute of Legislative Ideas (ILI), said this on Suspilne.

“Realistically, it may take a very long time – five, ten, or 15 years. It depends on how much the lawyers try to prolong the case, because there are statutes of limitations,” the expert said.

Commenting on the appeals concerning the preventive measures imposed on Serhii Krupov and Yelyzaveta Ivakhnenko, Tetiana Khutor noted that the bail amounts could be revised, although probably not significantly. According to her, the court set bail at UAH 120 million and UAH 20 million, respectively, while the prosecution had requested UAH 200 million for Krupov.

“Perhaps the lawyers will be able to convince the judges that such amounts are unaffordable for them and try to have them reduced. But there is no guarantee that this will succeed. Even if it does, I do not think the reductions will be significant,” the ILI Head said.

Tetiana Khutor also commented on Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko’s departure abroad, noting that he is mentioned in the case materials. In her view, if he does not return to Ukraine, this could have negative legal and reputational consequences.

“If Kravchenko believes that he is not guilty and has nothing to do with this case, he should return and prove it in court rather than try to flee,” the expert emphasized.

According to the ILI Head, the case is complex not only legally but also politically, as it concerns the possible involvement of senior law-enforcement officials in organized crime. She believes that, following the investigation, it is important to ensure a transparent procedure for appointing a new head of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

“A competitive selection procedure could be organized, with international partners invited so that they have no doubts about the transparency of the process. Such a commission could propose several candidates based on their professional qualifications and principles of integrity,” Tetiana Khutor concluded.