Recovery of seized property

During a search, equipment, phones, documents and storage media are frequently taken away. The law sets out the procedure by which temporarily seized property can be returned to its owner.

When to get in touch

• equipment, phones or documents were taken during a search
• the property taken has nothing to do with the circumstances of the case
• equipment was taken without which the business cannot operate
• considerable time has passed and no decision on the property has been made

What the lawyer does

• analyses the search record and the inventory of what was taken
• establishes the procedural status of the property
• prepares a motion for the return of temporarily seized property
• argues that there is no basis for holding the property any longer
• represents the owner at the hearing of the motion
• follows through on the actual return and the condition of the property

Legal basis

Ending the temporary seizure of property is governed by Article 169 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine; the storage of physical evidence and documents is governed by Article 100.

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What if the work computers were taken?

Raise the question of their return, or of being given copies of the data needed to keep working, as quickly as possible.

Is property returned before the case ends?

The law allows for that where there are grounds; the decision is taken by the authorised official under the established procedure.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.