Raid in Kyiv due to criminal organization
In Kiev, the anti-corruption authorities reported a “special operation” that morning. It’s about uncovering a criminal organization “that operated under the leadership of a current and a former member of the Ukrainian parliament.” According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), senior officials of the Presidential Office of Ukraine and other people were also believed to be involved in the crimes.
NABU investigator Mychailo Romanjuk said there had been several arrests. The criminal group, including bank employees, obtained and legalized money through illegal channels. This involves 150 million hryvnia (around 2.9 million euros), which is said to have been organized to pay bail for the arrested ex-justice minister Herman Halushteschenko.
The deputy of the Supreme Rada in Kiev, Oleksiy Honcharenko, announced that the investigation was specifically directed against the deputy head of the presidential office, Iryna Mudra. Media in Ukraine also gave the name, citing other sources. Deputy Wadym Stolar was also named as a suspect.
Investigations have a history
Zelensky’s office has already been targeted by anti-corruption authorities in the past. He then fired the head of the presidential office, Andrij Yermak, in the spring. He categorically rejected the allegations; he was first taken into custody in May and then released on bail.
The fall of what was once the second most powerful man in Kiev after Zelenskyj severely shocked Ukraine. Zelenskyj wants to lead the country into the EU and, after a number of financial scandals, has assured Western donors of a categorical fight against corruption and reforms.
According to the NABU and the SAP Yermak is said to have laundered the equivalent of around nine million euros together with business people, including former Zelensky confidante Tymur Minditsch and ex-deputy prime minister Olexij Chernyschov. This is all part of a larger process. There were several arrests last year. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Halushchenko were fired. The main suspect, Minditsch, a former business partner of President Zelensky, was able to flee the country. He is wanted.
In July last year, Zelensky tried to bring NABU and SAP under his control. At that time there were allegations that he wanted to avert the impending proceedings with a hastily passed change in the law. After street protests and EU intervention, Zelensky had to restore the previous situation.
