The Supreme Soviet of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian republic withdrew the immunity of the former Transnistrian leader Yevgheny Shevchuk so that this could be investigated. Shevchuk was invited to the June 28 meeting of the Supreme Soviet, but this, according to unofficial reports, left the Transnistrian region, crossing the Nistru by a boat, IPN reports, quoting the website of the Supreme Soviet.

The ex-Transnistrian leader is accused of abuse of power in managing the financial resources of a stabilization fund organized by Shevchuk in the form of a nonprofit association. As he held the highest public post in the self-proclaimed administration, Shevchuk, based on the local laws, wasn’t entitled to create such a fund into which he accepted US$8 million. He is thus accused of swindle.

The money into the stabilization fund came from companies that had a monopoly in the gas, electricity, water and heat supply sectors. The Transnistrian law enforcement bodies said the money was spent on buying luxury cars and apartments and for purposes of the presidential administration. Ex-minister of foreign affairs Nina Shtanski, who is now Yevgheny Shevchuk’s wife, also obtained a luxury car.

On his Facebook page, Yevgheny Shevchuk replied to the accusations made against him. He said the decision of the Supreme Soviet is a proof of the intimidation and pressure used in the fight against political opponents. As regards the withdrawal of immunity, he said when he left the seat of leader of the region, all the previous social benefits he enjoyed, including the immunity, were withdrawn from him. Consequently, all the actions taken against him now form part of a well-thought-out plan to keep power.