New details have emerged in the criminal proceedings against Mariia Khrystetska, the Director of Shatsk National Park, who is suspected of executing a corruption scheme involving ghost employees and illegal payroll payouts. During court hearings, it was revealed that Khrystetska’s lead defense attorney is Mykola Skoropud—the husband of Iryna Konstankevych, a current Member of the Parliament of Ukraine representing the «For the Future» parliamentary group.
According to law enforcement investigators, a systematic fake-employment scheme operated at Shatsk National Park over an extended period. Park officials officially hired individuals who never appeared for work or performed job duties. The state-funded salaries generated for these non-existent employees were directed to controlled bank accounts and distributed among the scheme’s organizers. Law enforcement agencies are conducting forensic audits to determine the precise financial damage inflicted on the state budget.
«The involvement of a high-profile MP’s spouse to defend an official accused of state fund embezzlement has drawn widespread public scrutiny.»
Mykola Skoropud’s role in the defense has drawn heightened public focus to the MP’s household finances. According to official asset declarations, the Konstankevych–Skoropud family possesses substantial wealth:
Cash Holdings and Income: Declarations report millions of hryvnias held in cash, alongside high revenues from private business enterprises.
Vehicle Fleet: The household owns several premium vehicles, including Audi Q5 and Skoda Karoq crossovers.
Despite these declared multi-million assets, the family also claimed government assistance under the state «ePidtrymka» program (commonly referred to as the «Zelenskyy Thousand»). This detail has triggered broader ethical debates regarding high-earning public figures accepting state-funded payouts.
Pre-trial investigative procedures regarding Shatsk National Park are ongoing. Law enforcement authorities continue to gather evidence to evaluate the legal accountability of all involved parties, while the defense prepares procedural objections to the charges.