Today, the prosecutor’s office conducted mass investigative actions against educators of the Teofipol community in the Khmelnytskyi region. 9 directors of educational institutions and 6 accountants received reports of suspicion in a criminal case about heating tariffs.

The bottom line: In 2021-2022, gas and energy prices increased several times. To prevent children from freezing in schools, local authorities approved an annual tariff with monthly payments. Educational institutions signed contracts for heat supply and paid exactly for the amount of heat they received.

The prosecutor’s office considers this to be a case of causing damage to the state, since heat was not supplied in the summer months (May-July), but payment was made.

What happened today:

  • 15 simultaneous searches
  • 15 requests for the application of the mildest preventive measure
  • 13 blank search reports without any seizure of items or documents

Why this is important to understand: Educators are suspected of a crime allegedly committed through signing heating contracts. Such actions do not pose a threat to society or the investigation.

The suspects are experienced education workers who do not evade the investigation.

Having received the status of a suspect, a person is automatically obliged to come to the investigator’s summons and comply with his lawful demands.

Therefore, in this situation, the use of any preventive measure makes no sense. Even the mildest: a personal commitment (when a person promises to follow certain rules during the investigation).

Our position: we see work on mass effect and the pursuit of indicators instead of quality investigation. Three years ago, our clients were solving the issue of school heating in conditions of rapidly increasing energy prices. Children had to study in warmth. For this, they have now been unjustifiably called criminals.

We will provide professional protection for each client. We will appeal every procedural violation or illegal decision.

The Prosecutor General’s Office, Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor’s Office — isn’t it time to remember that justice should be fair, not spectacular?

Justice should be based on facts, not on the number of investigative actions per day.