Three years in hiding after sentence: NABU detains ex-judge sentenced to 11 years in prison

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have searched for Andriy Leonov, a former judge of the Babushkinskyi District Court of Dnipro, who had been in hiding for about three years after being convicted in a bribery case.

The former judge was detained and taken to a pre-trial detention center to serve his sentence.

$30,000 for “assistance” in criminal proceedings

According to NABU, back in May 2018, law enforcement officers caught Leonov receiving part of an illegal benefit.

According to the investigation, for $30,000, the judge promised to assist in criminal proceedings related to raiding and forgery of documents.

In particular, the issue was recognizing the Dar farm as the injured party, accelerating the consideration of the case, and imposing a non-custodial sentence on the accused.

After transferring part of the funds, the judge was detained directly in his office.

11 years in prison and confiscation of property

In March 2023, the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court found Andriy Leonov guilty of extortion and receiving part of the illegal benefit.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with confiscation of property. Leonov was also banned from holding the position of judge for three years.

However, the ex-judge did not appear for the announcement of the verdict and the hearing of the appeals court. In June 2023, he was put on the wanted list.

He hid in hidden rooms and disguised himself as a police officer

According to NABU, during his hiding, the former judge used various methods of conspiracy.

He allegedly stayed in hidden rooms, tried not to appear in crowded places, and chose uncrowded routes for movement.

Leonov also changed cars and license plates, and used two-wheeled vehicles.

According to law enforcement officials, the ex-judge even wore a uniform of the National Police of Ukraine to disguise himself.

Law enforcement officials managed to establish his whereabouts. After his arrest, the convict was taken to a pre-trial detention center to serve his sentence.