Court fails to impose a measure of restraint on ex-Minister Chernyshov: video of the hearing
17 November 22:55
On Monday, November 17, the High Anti-Corruption Court did not decide on a preventive measure for former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov. He is suspected of illicit enrichment and involvement in the embezzlement of funds from the state-owned Energoatom. The hearing will continue on Tuesday, November 18. This is reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the broadcast of the HACC session.
What Chernyshov is charged with
Chernyshov is charged with illicit enrichment in the case of embezzlement at Energoatom. According to the NABU, the former official was among the people who visited the so-called “laundry room” – a place where the money obtained through criminal means was legalized.
Detectives documented the transfer of more than $1.2 million and almost 100 thousand euros in cash to him and his trustee.
He faces 5 to 10 years in prison and a ban on holding office for up to three years.
Chernyshov denies his guilt.
SAPO prosecutors insist on taking the suspect into custody. In their opinion, there are risks that the former minister may:
- influence the course of the investigation,
- destroy or conceal evidence,
- put pressure on witnesses,
- or leave the territory of Ukraine.
As an alternative to arrest, the SAPO proposes to set bail at UAH 55 million.
Position of the parties in court
The prosecutor stated that the person who was called “Professor” on the so-called “Mindich tapes” was Chernyshev’s wife. It was she, according to the investigation, who could have received $500,000 to transfer to her husband.
During the court hearing, Chernyshov denied any involvement in the Energoatom embezzlement case. He stated that he knew nothing about the pseudonym “Che Guevara”.
Chernyshov admitted that the voice on the NABU recordings “sounds like his”.
Chernyshov also refused to answer the question whether he knew businessman Timur Mindich. He also stated that he was allegedly unfamiliar with the defendants in the NABU case, so he “cannot be involved in the criminal scheme.”
The defense lawyer also denied information about any correspondence between Chernyshev and the suspects, noting that what the prosecution refers to is “not confirmed by factual materials.”
In addition, the lawyers filed a motion for temporary access to Chernyshev’s phone to make copies of the information stored on it. According to the defense lawyers, this is necessary to confirm that there was no correspondence in early March, as claimed by the prosecution.
Background
On June 23, Oleksiy Chernyshov was notified of suspicion of abuse of office and taking a bribe in a particularly large amount.
Prior to that, on June 19, the Ministry of National Unity stated that the official was on a scheduled business trip to the EU, and that rumors about his alleged escape were false.
on June 22, Chernyshov announced that he had returned to Ukraine.
What’s next
The court will continue to consider the issue of the preventive measure on November 18.
It is then that the HACC can decide on arrest, bail or other preventive measure for the former high-ranking official.
