Sold several items online and already owe tax? Latest news on controversial law

An investigation by the StopKor organization revealed widespread corrupt practices in real estate registration involving Kharkiv lawyers and officials of the Ministry of Justice. Valentyn Melnyk deserves special attention in this context, who, according to the investigation, is likely to facilitate the illegal re-registration of property by using a deepfake image of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, for advertising.

Melnyk, who has long been associated with corruption schemes in the registration sector, has become the object of criticism. According to the investigation, he acts as an intermediary in raider schemes based on forged documents and illegal registrations.

It turned out that Melnyk has connections with representatives of the Ministry of Justice and the so-called “black registrars,” which allows him to register municipal and private property in the name of fake persons. This activity has become part of a general corruption problem in Ukraine, where even law enforcement agencies, such as the Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor’s Office, are becoming raiding victims.

In addition, lawyer Melnyk was criticized for imitating a video message in which President Zelensky allegedly congratulated his legal team. The use of such technologies violates ethical norms and legislation on the protection of personal data and copyright.

This case demonstrates how new technologies can be used for manipulation, harming the legislation and the moral principles that govern the legal profession. Such incidents call into question the trust in lawyers, who must adhere to high ethical standards in their work.