Court continues examination of evidence in Knyazev case – defense challenges legality of wiretapping
24 July 20:34
The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court is continuing to consider the case of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Knyazev, who is accused of organizing a corruption scheme involving judges and intermediaries, a court reporter writes, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Prosecutors allege that Knyazev received a $1.8 million bribe from businessman Konstantin Zhevago to secure a ruling in his favor regarding shares in Poltava Mining. The court is examining the protocols of operational and investigative measures, audio and video surveillance recordings, in particular, from the office of notary Kirill Gorburov, who is close to Knyazev.
The defense is questioning the legality of these recordings, believing that notarial secrecy was violated in this way. Knyazev himself stated that NABU detectives used a “poisonous source” – a recording from Horburov’s office – to initiate covert investigative actions against him.
The evidence includes video of conversations in February-March 2023 between Horetskyi, Horburov, and judge Yulia Matveeva regarding the alleged distribution of $50,000 for lifting the arrest from the Premier Hotel Rus. According to the records, part of these funds was allegedly intended for Knyazev. He denies this and claims that the NABU used this information to justify its investigative actions, but did not open a separate proceeding.
Prosecutors have a different position: the surveillance was conducted as part of an operational case, and a separate criminal proceeding against Knyazev was opened later. The NABU is ready to prove the legality of its actions at a closed session.
On July 18, the court extended Knyazev’s procedural duties. Prosecutors insist that the bail of UAH 18 million is reasonable, as the half a million dollars he allegedly received has not yet been found. There is also a risk of escape – according to the prosecution, it could be financed by interested parties, including Zhevago himself.
The defense denies these allegations, emphasizing that Knyazev lost all influence after his release.
At the last hearing, it also became known that several people had asked the court to recognize themselves as victims in the Knyazev case. This issue is to be considered at the next meeting.
