The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered the arrest in absentia of former Health Minister Maksym Stepanov, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reports.
Stepanov is accused of misappropriation and legalization of half a billion hryvnias related to the activities of the state-owned "Poligrafkombinat", where he served as director ten years ago.
This criminal offense is related to fraud in the field of document issuance, including passports. Stepanov is currently outside of Ukraine and resides in an EU country.
In light of this court decision, the former minister may be put on the international wanted list and an extradition request may be filed.