The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has placed the former head of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetsky, on its wanted list.

Chernovetsky is wanted for hiding from prosecution authorities, according to information found in the Wanted section of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's website.

The man was last seen on July 24, 2017, the ministry said without specifying where.

The ex-mayor of Kyiv faces criminal charges of abuse of power. A court has permitted his apprehension for the purpose of bringing him before authorities, the ministry said.

On July 14 the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office announced that Chernovetsky is suspected of abusing his power and office during his time as a Kyiv mayor. He is suspected of involvement in an illegal land lease for the construction of a helicopter pad for close friends of Ukrainian ex-president Viktor Yanukovych.