In a statement released on the day of the verdict, the Ukrainian NGO Anti-Corruption Action Centre said, “A seven year sentence for Serhiy Sternenko is not about justice. It’s revenge on a person who has been a thorn in the side of police, politicians, state officials and property developers in Odesa.” The judicial process was marred by inconsistencies, irregularities and missteps. The primary evidence for the conviction of Sternenko was the testimony of the alleged victim, an eyewitness (who didn’t appear in court), and cell phone data which allegedly showed Sternenko was in the vicinity of the kidnapping at the time it happened.