Leningrad Region: Crimea case closed, but land conflict continues
The criminal case against the head of the Kuzyomkinskoye settlement administration has been dropped following public outcry. However, the conflict over land plots and other violations continues.
Jan 23, 2026 0
The dispute involves allegations of misuse of public funds and land use conflicts in the Leningrad Region.
Source:
The criminal case against the head of the Kuzyomkinskoye rural settlement administration in the Kingiseppsky District of Leningrad Region has been dropped. The regional prosecutor«s office decided to cancel the order to initiate the case after the essence of the claims against the official became public knowledge.
On January 20, Yelena Petrova-Staseva received notification from her lawyer about the termination of the proceedings and the possibility to retrieve items seized during the search. The official herself claims that remote work from Crimea in May was coordinated with the head of the council of deputies, and she was performing official duties. The council of deputies adheres to a different version, stating that she took leave without authorization.
The accusation involved receiving 65,000 rubles (approximately $700 at current rates) in salary for 10 days in May spent in Crimea. The criminal case was initiated under an article on exceeding official authority out of selfish interest, which provides for punishment solely in the form of imprisonment.
The main conflict, however, is related to land issues. Petrova-Staseva refused to sign a general plan that would allow the use of two thousand hectares of private agricultural land for construction. These plots are owned by companies affiliated with the former head of the administration, Vitaly Kulagin, who now holds the position of assistant to the head of the council.
From the side of the head of the administration, complaints were also filed with the prosecutor«s office regarding:
- the disappearance of municipal property;
- concluding contracts for road profiling out of season;
- treatment of private lands for hogweed at the budget»s expense.
In turn, the council of deputies has initiated eight inspections regarding Petrova-Staseva and is preparing a lawsuit to court with the aim of removing her from her position.
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