NABU and SAP conduct searches at Ukraine’s Supreme Court in corruption case

NABU and SAP conducted searches at Ukraine’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, May 19, as part of a corruption case. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a NABU statement.

The investigative actions were carried out at the workplaces, residences, and vehicles of a number of current and former Supreme Court judges. The searches included the premises of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniazev, whose case is being heard at the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC). NABU and SAP promised to provide details later.

On May 15, 2023, law enforcement officers detained Vsevolod Kniazev on a bribe of approximately €2.3 million. At the time, he held the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The very next day, the Supreme Court plenum supported his early termination of powers, and Kniazev was removed from the position of chief justice.

On January 31, 2024, Kniazev was released from pre-trial detention after posting bail. The day before, the bail had been reduced to approximately €354,000 — this was already the seventh time the court had lowered the amount. The High Council of Justice was at the same time deciding on granting consent for the judge’s detention, remand in custody, or arrest, as well as his temporary suspension from the administration of justice.

Several days ago, law enforcement officers conducted large-scale searches of military recruitment center (TCC) officials across Ukraine. In the course of the investigative actions, instances of illicit enrichment and violations in asset declarations were identified. Police conducted 44 searches in 16 regions — both at the suspects’ places of residence and in their offices and vehicles. During the searches, luxury cars, documents, and cash totaling approximately €1.8 million were seized.