In the criminal proceedings actively ongoing with law enforcement agencies, a new chapter has emerged in the case of former Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Smyrnov. Anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies have announced a new suspicion against him, related to the legalization of illegally obtained funds and receiving improper benefits on an especially large scale. This information became known from official sources — the data is provided by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), and sources of “Ukrainska Pravda.”

Chas Pravdy - 17 April 2025 18:11

According to this information, on April 16, prosecutors, acting on the instructions of SAPO leadership, jointly with NABU detectives, presented new suspicions to the former official in accordance with criminal law. As a reminder, Andriy Smyrnov was previously prosecuted for illegal enrichment: he was accused of acquiring assets totaling over 15.7 million hryvnias. Now, within the framework of the new case, the investigation focuses on facts of money laundering and possible corruption and bribery acts. Details indicate that the suspicion is centered on the period from 2019 to 2021, when the former Deputy Head of the President’s Office allegedly collected cash funds, which he then attempted to legalize through the construction of private residential properties in the southern regions of Ukraine, in the recreational zone of Odesa region. According to the investigation, the suspect illegally acquired substantial amounts in cash and, in order to launder the obtained money, transformed it into construction works and property. Specifically, to conceal the origin of these funds, he turned to beneficiaries of land holdings on the seashore, transferring nearly 6.5 million hryvnias to them for the construction of private cottages with a total area of over 300 square meters. Subsequently, even after the notification of suspicion, controlled property was temporarily registered in nominal persons to avoid legal complications. For example, in May 2024, it was re-registered to a trusted person, further complicating the case and aiding in clarifying the extent of the official’s illegal activities. Equally interesting is the story regarding the applicant — the owner of a construction company who, in 2022, offered Smyrnov a bribe of several hundred thousand US dollars. According to the investigation, this businessman offered $100,000 in exchange for assistance in reducing competition in state tenders — to ensure his company would win a tender and gain the opportunity to construct facilities on the coast. In return, he expected that former Yurmak deputy Smyrnov would facilitate the annulment of a decision by the Antimonopoly Committee regarding a specific tender. Based on testimonies and investigative materials, Smyrnov agreed and fulfilled this obligation, using his official authorities. As a result, in May 2024, the AМКУ (Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine) made a decision conducive to favorable outcomes for this businessman. Officially, the former Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Smyrnov, is now charged with receiving an improper benefit of USD 100,000 and the legalization of funds obtained illegally. As part of the criminal case, he is prosecuted under articles related to illicit enrichment and serious articles concerning money laundering and legalization. Currently, the court has chosen a preventive measure for the suspect in the form of a 10 million hryvnia bail, which he paid at the end of May. Meanwhile, the investigation continues, and detectives are searching for other individuals who may be involved in crimes of a seemingly significant scale. No less sensational is the story involving real estate and property assets of Smyrnov’s family. Journalists from "Ukrainska Pravda" discovered as early as February 2023 that the brother of the former official — Ihor Smyrnov — made several significant acquisitions in the Carpathian mountain region within one year, purchasing an apartment and a land plot at prices significantly lower than the market value. The total value of the objects was assessed at over $250,000, yet the brothers did not provide convincing explanations of the origin of these funds, further fueling suspicions about their true sources. Smyrnov’s dismissal from his position as Deputy Head of the Office of the President occurred at the end of March 2023. The reason was an investigation into corrupt ties and other possible violations. According to unofficial information, the matter was under prolonged consideration within the authorities, and Smyrnov himself told "Ukrainska Pravda" that the search and notification process happened "quickly and discreetly." However, over a year later, investigative actions are still ongoing, and law enforcement officials do not rule out the involvement of other individuals in the criminal chain. Overall, this case is not merely about isolated corruption incidents. It is a vivid example of systemic manifestations of capture of state resources and potential abuse by high-ranking officials, undermining public trust in the national legal system. "Ukrainska Pravda" emphasizes that Smyrnov’s case is just one of many prominent examples of widespread abuses in this sphere, which continue to surface as new facts emerge. Legislators and law enforcement agencies pledge to continue actively combating corruption, striving to deliver justice in this high-profile case.

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