Anti-Corruption Agencies Seek Suspension of Ukrainian Deputy PM Amid Land Grab Allegations
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have filed a motion with the High Anti-Corruption Court to suspend Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov from office and impose bail following allegations of a large-scale illegal land grab. Chernyshov, who heads the National Unity Ministry, is accused of participating in a scheme that undervalued land fivefold, costing the state approximately $24 million, and receiving discounted apartments valued at over $346,000.
The agencies argue that the measures are necessary to prevent potential obstruction of justice and ensure cooperation with investigators. Chernyshov, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has denied the allegations and stated that he has no intention of resigning. The motion also includes requirements such as a travel ban, passport surrender, and restrictions on contacting other suspects or witnesses. If the court approves the request, Chernyshov would have five days to pay the bail, with failure to comply risking more severe pre-trial measures.
Chernyshov, who returned to Ukraine on June 22 following growing public pressure and reported to NABU the following day, has faced mounting scrutiny over his actions. Critics argue that his return to the country despite earlier claims of being on a business trip suggests an attempt to evade charges. The agencies emphasized that Chernyshov’s cooperation with investigators is crucial to the ongoing probe, which has already led to the detention of two of his former associates, Maksym Horbatiuk and Vasyl Volodin.
As part of the motion, the court is also being asked to enforce standard obligations such as a travel ban, passport surrender, and mandatory cooperation with law enforcement. SAPO has further requested that Chernyshov be prohibited from contacting other suspects or witnesses in the case. The agencies have noted that Chernyshov returned to Ukraine voluntarily and responded to their summons, which they argue demonstrates his cooperation with the investigation.
Chernyshov, who previously served as CEO of state-owned oil and gas giant Naftogaz and has held several other high-profile roles, is considered a key figure in Ukraine’s political landscape. His suspension would mark a significant moment in the country’s anti-corruption efforts, which have been a central focus of President Zelensky’s administration. However, the case has also raised questions about the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions and the political implications of high-profile corruption charges against senior officials.
The ongoing investigation into Chernyshov’s activities is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within Ukraine’s government. While the agencies have cited legal precedents in similar cases to justify their request, the political implications of the case remain significant. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, who will be assessing the strength of Ukraine’s anti-corruption measures and the potential impact on the country’s political stability.
The motion filed by NABU and SAPO is expected to be reviewed by the High Anti-Corruption Court in the coming weeks. The court’s decision will determine whether Chernyshov’s suspension is upheld and whether the bail measures are implemented. If the court agrees with the agencies’ request, it will mark a major step in the ongoing fight against corruption in Ukraine, though it will also raise important questions about the balance between justice and political considerations in high-profile cases.
As the situation continues to develop, the impact on Ukraine’s political landscape and its anti-corruption initiatives will remain a focal point of public and international attention. The case highlights the challenges faced by Ukraine in its efforts to combat corruption and the potential consequences for high-level officials who may become involved in such allegations.