“We know how much it costs to buy an expert opinion”: the flag scandal surrounding Monobank continues
25 March 22:21
The scandal surrounding Monobank, sparked by a woman undergoing verification against the backdrop of what appeared to be either a Russian or Slovenian flag, continues. The story has now entered the legal arena and is once again dividing Ukrainians into supporters and critics of the bank’s CEO, Oleg Gorokhovsky, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
Currently, as reported to Oboz.ua by the bank’s lawyer , Denis Shkarovsky, Monobank has initiated an independent state examination of the flag that was behind the customer undergoing verification, and because of which Gorokhovsky later published the girl’s photo on his Telegram channel, implying that she is a supporter of the Russians and therefore cannot be a client of his bank.
Experts analyzed not only screenshots but also part of the video recording of the verification process. The result was unequivocal: the image on the wall matches the characteristics of the Russian flag, the defense asserts.
The expert report, in particular, allegedly states that the fabric fragment was identified as the Russian flag based on the colors and arrangement of the stripes. Additionally, the experts reportedly noted that the Russian flag is officially classified in Ukraine as a prohibited symbol of Russian imperial policy.
Furthermore, Shkarovsky rejects the charges of violating banking secrecy or disclosing personal data. According to him, the bank’s actions were aimed at protecting national interests and complying with legislation regarding the fight against hostile propaganda.
Social Media Reaction
The news about the expert assessment sparked widespread discussion on social media, and Ukrainians’ opinions were once again divided.
“We know how much it costs to buy any ‘expert’ conclusion. For the bank, it’s pocket change!” wrote former Minister of Social Policy Pavlo Rozenko, commenting on the news.
Some commenters question the findings of the expert review, citing the bank’s significant financial resources and its likely connections.
Most commenters emphasize that no expert assessment results justify the leak of a client’s personal data, a charge leveled against Monobank and Gorokhovsky.
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A number of commenters even suggest they will stop using the bank’s services.
Other users suggest that the flag could have been Russian, but this, again, does not absolve the bank of responsibility for actions taken outside the legal framework.
Monobank co-founder Oleg Gorokhovsky posted a photo of a female bank user online, taken during video verification. According to him, a Russian flag is visible in the background behind the woman.
Later, the bank customer stated that the flag on the wall was actually the Slovenian flag, and she also criticized the publication of her photo without her consent.
On the evening of March 11, Gorokhovsky apologized for posting the photo of the bank customer and explained his actions as an emotional reaction to the Russian tricolor. In a Telegram post, he wrote that after many years of war, this flag evokes intense anger in him, which is why he reacted hastily and without thinking.
Gorokhovsky also assured customers that their personal data remains secure.
Consequences for Monobank
Lawyers for 19-year-old Karina Kolb, whose photo was published by Monobank co-founder Oleg Gorokhovsky, stated that they are preparing pre-trial claims against him and JSC “Universal Bank.”
The demands include a public personal apology and retraction, payment of monetary compensation for emotional distress, and the unblocking of the young woman’s bank account.
The lawyers noted that if a pre-trial settlement is refused, they are prepared to take the matter to court and other relevant institutions.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets announced an investigation into a possible violation of the law due to the actions of monobank co-founder Oleg Gorokhovsky, who acknowledged that the disclosure of the client’s personal data was unlawful.
In addition, the National Bank of Ukraine sent a request to monobank seeking an explanation regarding Oleg Gorokhovsky’s publication of the client’s data.
Also, today, May 25, the Verkhovna Rada summoned NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy to report on the disclosure of a monobank client’s personal data.
He is scheduled to appear in the session hall on March 26 at 12:00 p.m. to report on the situation.
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