Kovalenko Oleksandr Mykolayovych

Apartment for a verdict and nearly 6 million in salary during the investigation

Oleksandr Kovalenko headed the Commercial Court of Sumy region from 2011 to 2017. In 2015, the company "Sumbud," which was building on a leased 15.6-hectare plot, became involved in a legal dispute with a competitor. A representative of the developer contacted lawyer Malovanyi, who was acquainted with Kovalenko, and the judge decided to take advantage of the situation: he demanded a two-room apartment in the new building in exchange for a favorable decision. The rights to the apartment were registered to Malovanyi to conceal the bribe. Four days later, a judicial panel including Kovalenko rejected the competitor's claim against "Sumbud." Later, Kovalenko raised the stakes — demanding $26,600 in cash. On November 5, 2017, NABU and SBU detained him during the transfer of funds.

9 years of investigation, 5.9 million in salary, and an 8.5-year sentence

After searches in 2017, Kovalenko left the position of court chairman, explaining it was to "not interfere" with the investigation. However, the High Council of Justice only suspended him from hearing cases — he did not lose his judicial powers. Over nine years of proceedings, Kovalenko received approximately 5.9 million UAH in government salary. On April 3, 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court found him guilty under Part 4 Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and sentenced him to 8 years and 6 months of imprisonment with full confiscation of property and a three-year ban on holding judicial positions. The verdict has not yet come into legal force.