Ukrainian Deputy PM Chernyshov Faces Travel Ban and $2.9M Bail Amid High-Profile Corruption Probe
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov is facing significant legal challenges after being ordered to pay $2.9 million in bail and restricted from traveling abroad without permission following a court ruling in a major corruption case. The court’s decision on June 27 marks a pivotal moment for Chernyshov, the highest-ranking official in Ukraine’s history to face corruption charges while in office.
Chernyshov, known as a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has categorically denied the allegations of corruption, calling the charges ‘without objective grounds.’ According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), during his tenure as Communities and Territories Minister (2020-2022), Chernyshov and his associates allegedly undervalued land plots to benefit a developer in exchange for kickbacks. This led to significant financial losses for Ukraine and personal benefits for Chernyshov and his associates.
The NationalAnti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) investigation revealed that during his tenure as Communities and Territories Minister from 2020 to 2022, Chernyshov and his associates were involved in a large-scale illegal land grab. They undervalued land plots to benefit a developer, in exchange for kickbacks. According to the bureau, the scheme cost Ukraine over $24 million, with Chernyshov and his associates receiving over $346,000 in discounts on apartments from the developer.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for Ukraine’s political landscape, particularly as it implicates a member of Zelensky’s inner circle. Olena Shcherban, deputy executive director at the Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC), highlighted the significance of the case, noting it marks the first time NABU and SAPO have reached the immediate circle of the president’s ‘family.’
During a press briefing, Chernyshov expressed his belief that the bail amount was ‘too high’ and stated his confidence in his decisions. He emphasized the need for the media to focus on ‘just the facts’ during the investigation. Despite the court’s decision to restrict his travel, he remained optimistic, stating he would ‘prove’ his innocence and continue to serve in his role.
Chernyshov’s absence from Ukraine for a brief period before the charges were unveiled sparked suspicions that he had fled to avoid arrest. However, he denied being on the run, stating he had been traveling for business. Zelensky publicly backed his assertion, and Chernyshov has expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators, although he has also requested additional measures to restrict his movements, including passport surrender and electronic monitoring.
The case underscores the broader challenges in Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, with significant implications for the Zelensky administration. As he awaits trial, the legal battle continues to unfold, highlighting the high stakes for officials in Ukraine’s political and judicial landscape.