The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has set bail for Deputy Prime Minister Chernyshov of over UAH 120 million in connection with the investigation of a large-scale corruption scheme in the construction sector
The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ruled on a preventive measure for Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov in connection with the investigation of a large-scale corruption scheme in the construction sector. The court ruled that the official must post bail of over UAH 120 million within five days, otherwise he can expect more severe measures in response. This decision was the logical conclusion of several weeks of intense investigation that unfolded around suspicions of abuse of office and obtaining illegal benefits. According to the Anti-Corruption Center, this is the amount the court set as bail for Chernyshov, obliging him to regularly appear before investigative bodies, prosecutors and the court upon request, as well as to report any changes in his place of residence and work. In addition, he must refrain from any contact with suspects and witnesses in these proceedings, and is also prohibited from leaving the territory of Ukraine. The restrictions provided for by the court decision were intended to reduce the risks of pressure or flight of the main figures in this corruption network. During the hearing, the court partially satisfied the motions of NABU and SAPO to remove Chernyshov from office, as well as to apply bail to him as a preventive measure. At the same time, prosecutors insisted that the preventive measure be even stricter, given the seriousness of the suspicions and the scale of the probable losses. We will recall that on June 23, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) informed Chernyshov of suspicion of abuse of office and obtaining illegal benefits in particularly large amounts. This was the result of a long investigation that began last year and was intensified after its break due to the suspect’s departure abroad. According to the investigation, the Deputy Prime Minister was one of six defendants in a large-scale corruption scheme in the Ministry of Regional Development, which entailed fraud in the construction industry, as well as the giving and receiving of bribes. According to information disseminated by the media, not only Chernyshov was accused in this case, but also his close circle: former high-ranking officials and businessmen were among the suspects. In particular, these are the former adviser to the minister, Maksym Horbatyuk, the former director of the state enterprise, Alla Suchon, as well as Oleg Tatarenko, a representative of a construction company, and Vasyl Volodin, the former State Secretary of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development. All of them, according to the investigation, are involved in schemes for receiving bribes and using their official position to obtain undue benefit. As reported by ZN.UA, the searches were conducted almost a month ago - as part of an investigation that was intensified after receiving a court ruling last year. However, the official formulation of suspicions and their notification were made much earlier, which indicates the thoroughness and focus of the investigators in this case. Overall, this case is marked by a high level of complexity and political resonance, as it concerns the loss of trust in one of the key structures of state power, which is responsible for regional development and construction. And although the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects have the right to appeal the court's decision on bail, this case once again undermines the image of the fight against corruption and emphasizes the importance of transparency in government structures.