The former Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andrii Smyrinov, who is suspected of money laundering and receiving a large bribe, has posted bail in the amount of 18 million hryvnias
This decision was the result of a prolonged and tense process within the framework of NABU’s investigation and ongoing court procedures that have been ongoing for several weeks. The information about the posting of bail was confirmed by Olya Chemeris, spokesperson for the High Anti-Corruption Court, who told "Ukrainska Pravda" that "bail was fully paid for the former head of the Office of the President, according to the amount determined the day before by the investigative judge." She added that the bail amount was set in accordance with the ruling of the investigative judge, which was made after adjustments to the previous preventive measure were approved at the last hearing. Changes to the preventive measure took place on May 5 of this year, when the High Anti-Corruption Court partially granted the NABU detective’s motion regarding the correction of the previously chosen measure. Initially, the suspect was held under bail, but the court decided to change it to detention with the possibility of posting bail. The decision to amend the preventive measure was a logical step within the ongoing investigation into potential abuses and corruption actions by Andrii Smyrinov, who previously held important functions within the Office of the President. Following the decision to modify the preventive measure and the posting of bail in the amount of 18 million hryvnias, the suspect gained the opportunity to avoid detention, opening new possibilities for defense and filing appeals. However, regardless of this, the case continues to be diligently investigated as part of anti-corruption efforts to uncover and eliminate corrupt schemes at the highest levels of power. Overall, the situation around Andrii Smyrinov and his legal status remains one of the most resonant in contemporary Ukrainian anti-corruption sphere. Its outcome will influence not only the further investigation but also serve as a signal from the state regarding the fight against corruption at the highest echelons of power. In general, this story highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of NABU’s work and the judicial system in combating corruption crimes, as well as demonstrating that even high-ranking officials are not immune from criminal prosecution if their actions violate the law.