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September 08, 2025 – Ukraine –
Oleksandr Takhytai—a Ukrainian investigative journalist and former deputy of the Yampil District Council—was discovered deceased on September 5 in his apartment in Yampil, located in the Sumy region. Local outlet Hlavkom, citing Suspilne Sumy, first reported the news, noting that authorities are actively investigating whether his death is connected to his professional work.
Takhytai previously served as editor-in-chief of the Yampilskyi Krai newspaper and gained notoriety for publicly exposing corruption involving the construction of fortifications in the Sumy area. His endeavors drew both attention and hostility. In August 2025, he suffered violent intimidation when shots were fired at his summer residence and a smoke grenade, marked with foreign insignia, was placed inside his apartment. Takhytai had accused an SBU officer and a reserve serviceman of involvement; however, the Security Service denied these allegations.
Law enforcement has classified the incident as hooliganism under Article 296, Part 1, of Ukraine’s Criminal Code—citing gross violation of public order marked by “special audacity or exceptional cynicism.” As of September 6, a pre-trial investigation is underway, and forensic examinations have been ordered to determine the precise cause of death.
Takhytai was vocal and persistent in criticizing the misuse of public funds—particularly those allocated for defensive projects. He had pointed to possible embezzlement by regional authorities and low-quality construction contracted for military defenses, a claim that reportedly triggered further scrutiny by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
His untimely death underscores the perilous environment faced by journalists who confront corruption and institutional wrongdoing. The Union between investigative reporting and potential retaliation is starkly illustrated in this case. As the investigation continues, Takhytai’s case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers investigative journalists endure in pursuit of transparency and accountability.
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