Ukraine's SBU security service, on Wednesday, searched the home of a Ukrainian MP, who allegedly travelled to the Maldives for a holiday. Yuriy Aristov reportedly travelled to Lithuania for a work trip. He then faked sick and travelled to the Maldives to stay at a luxury hotel in the Maldives with his family.
Aristov violated a wartime ban that prevents officials from travelling outside the country. Men, who are of conscription age need special permission to leave the country. The violation has opened a criminal case against Aristov. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison.
Initial investigations by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Security Service of Ukraine have revealed that he had been on the private island of Ithaafushi in the Maldives in mid-July, while he was registered on sick leave. He was spotted in the Maldives by Ukrainian media.
Aristov had first left home for Poland for a three-day business trip. He was abroad from July 5-22. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Tuesday, in a speech, had warned public servants against betraying the country's interests.
"When you constantly see and feel the moral strength gained for Ukraine by our warriors, our people, who are doing everything possible and impossible for the victory and preservation of freedom, any internal betrayal, any 'beach' [holiday] or any personal enrichment instead of Ukraine's interests triggers fury at the very least," he said, BBC reported.
According to a Facebook post of Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Aristove handed in his resignation letter and the matter will be discussed in the next parliamentary session.
Several scandals involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials have been reported since Russia invaded the country in February 2022, especially since Zelenskyy launched an anti-corruption drive in January this year.