MADRID (AP) – Spain has announced its decision to extradite Vitaly Vanshelboim, the former executive director of a United Nations office, to the United States. Vanshelboim is facing accusations of accepting bribes in exchange for diverting nearly $60 million in grants to companies associated with a British businessman. This ruling was made public by the National High Court on Tuesday.
Vanshelboim, who is Ukrainian by nationality, was apprehended in March 2023 in Alicante under an international warrant issued by the U.S. The United States serves as the host country for UN headquarters, complicating legal proceedings surrounding U.N. officials.
In a previous ruling from October 2022, a U.N. tribunal found Vanshelboim liable for repaying the U.N. $58.8 million, which was lost in various deals pertaining to renewable energy, sustainable housing, and ocean-related projects. These ventures involved businessman David Kendrick, who allegedly provided Vanshelboim with interest-free loans, a luxury Mercedes for his wife, and additional benefits for his children in return for favorable treatment.
The tribunal indicated that evidence demonstrated Vanshelboim's misconduct had inflicted “massive financial losses” on the U.N. Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the organization he directed. They estimated that the total value of the benefits he received amounted to over $3 million.
The Spanish judges highlighted that Vanshelboim will be extradited on three of the six charges against him: soliciting and receiving bribes as a member of an organization funded by federal funds, wire fraud through honest services, and money laundering. According to the court, he maintained a “corrupt relationship” with Kendrick from at least September 2015 until approximately August 2023.
Vanshelboim's legal team has been given a period of three days to appeal this extradition decision. His tenure with the United Nations commenced in 1992, but he was dismissed in January 2023 following an internal investigation into his activities.
The case not only highlights issues of corruption within international organizations but also raises questions regarding accountability and oversight for high-ranking officials receiving taxpayer dollars. As the legal process progresses, the implications of this case may resonate throughout the international community, underscoring the importance of transparency in the management of public funds.
