NABU and SAPO are conducting searches at the Supreme Court: initial details
19 May 11:55
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office are conducting investigative activities as part of a corruption case involving the Supreme Court. This was reported by the NABU press service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
NABU reported that searches are being conducted at the workplaces, residences, and in the vehicles of a number of current and former Supreme Court justices. In particular, this includes the former head of the Supreme Court, whose case is already being heard by the High Anti-Corruption Court.
What NABU reported
The NABU press service noted that detectives, together with prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), are conducting investigative actions in the case of corruption in the Supreme Court.
Searches are taking place:
- at the Supreme Court premises;
- at the residences of certain current and former judges;
- at the places of work of those involved;
- in vehicles.
The NABU has not yet disclosed all details of the proceedings and has announced that additional information will be provided later.
Who is being searched
According to media reports, those subject to the investigative actions include former and current employees of the Supreme Court.
Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Knyazev is mentioned separately; he is already a defendant in a bribery case.
His case is currently being heard in the High Anti-Corruption Court.
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The Knyazev Case
Vsevolod Knyazev headed the Supreme Court from 2021 to 2023. In May 2023, NABU and the SAP announced the exposure of a large-scale corruption scheme in the Supreme Court. According to the investigation, it involved an illegal benefit for issuing a court ruling in the interests of businessman Kostyantyn Zhevago.
Anti-corruption agencies reported at the time that the bribe amounted to approximately $2.7 million. Knyazev and his accomplice, a lawyer, were notified of the charges against them. Knyazev himself became the highest-ranking judge to be implicated in such a corruption case.
At the same time, Zhevago’s side had previously stated that he was not involved in any illegal activities.
How Knyazev Lost His Position as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Following the high-profile expose, the Plenum of the Supreme Court prematurely terminated Vsevolod Knyazev’s powers as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court due to a vote of no confidence.
Later, the High Council of Justice approved the detention of the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the High Anti-Corruption Court imposed a preventive measure on him with the possibility of bail.
In late January 2024, Knyazev was released on bail of 18.16 million UAH after the amount was reduced.
What is known about the case before the High Anti-Corruption Court
The High Anti-Corruption Court is hearing the case against the former head of the Supreme Court. According to Transparency International Ukraine, the investigation in the Knyazev case alleges an organized scheme to obtain illicit benefits in exchange for issuing favorable court rulings.
In May 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court also extended the term of the procedural obligations imposed on Knyazev.
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