In Belgorod, a high profile legal action unfolded as the Belgorod Sverdlovsky District Court placed Alexander Sergienko, the former mayor of Stary Oskol, under arrest in connection with a bribery investigation. The information was confirmed by Natalya Berestneva, the press service representative for the Belgorod District Court, and reported by TASS. The court issued a restraining order, effectively keeping Sergienko in custody until May 17, a measure prosecutors view as essential to prevent any possible interference with the investigation or flight risk. The case has drawn attention to the governance of Stary Oskol during Sergienko’s tenure and the surrounding procedures used to issue construction permits for several real estate projects. The authorities have emphasized that the arrest order follows preliminary inquiries and formal charges tied to the alleged bribery scheme.
Investigators allege that between December 2017 and December 2021 Sergienko used his official position to assist a number of commercial entities in obtaining building permits for multiple real estate developments. The investigation suggests that these favors were exchanged for significant bribes, though the exact amounts and parties remain part of the ongoing inquiry. On March 20, the Investigative Committee announced that a lawsuit had been initiated against Sergienko. A source connected to law enforcement told RIA Novosti that the former city leader is suspected of accepting large sums as bribes in relation to the permitting process and other administrative actions. The unfolding case underscores how regulatory approvals can intersect with political leadership and the duties of city administration during that period.
From January 2018 through December 2021, Sergienko led the Stary Oskol administration before moving on to serve as General Manager at Gazprom Gas Distribution Belgorod JSC. This transition, occurring after his tenure as mayor, has prompted scrutiny regarding the connections between municipal governance and regional energy infrastructure operations. Clean lines are being drawn between official acts that influence urban development and the oversight mechanisms designed to detect improper incentives. The arrest marks a pivotal moment in a broader examination of how permits are issued and how accountability is maintained within local government and its affiliated enterprises. Authorities have indicated that the investigation will continue to unfold, with prosecutors and investigators focused on compiling evidence and testimonies from involved parties and witnesses to determine the full scope of any alleged illegal activities. The case remains a focal point for regional governance discourse and a reminder of the enduring importance of transparent decision making in permitting and urban development processes.