VAKS allowed Kobolev to travel abroad, although earlier it had persistently forbidden him to do so
20 November 2024 16:28
The Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has not extended the term of obligations imposed on the former head of the Naftohaz board, Andriy Kobolev, who is accused of pocketing 229m hryvnias in bonuses. But VAKS granted Kobolev permission to travel abroad from November 4 to 25, reports Komersant ukrainskyi 
with reference to the data of the Center for counteraction to corruption.
Thus, in response to the request of the CPC, the SAP reported the following:
“The term of duties assigned to Kobolev expired on November 12. He was assigned the following duties: to report a change of residence, not to communicate with witnesses and to surrender his passports for traveling abroad.
The prosecutor of the SAP appealed to the SACS with a petition to extend the term of the duties as early as November 1. That is, 12 days before the expiration of the term. However, the court hearings on November 5 and 8, at which the motion was to be considered, were canceled.
But on November 1, the presiding officer granted Kobolev permission to travel abroad from November 4 to November 25,” the CBK said in a statement.
At the same time, earlier Kobolev’s defense repeatedly asked the VAKS to grant the suspect the right to travel abroad. Prosecutors SAP objected and VAKS in satisfaction of such motions of lawyers refused.
In particular, it is evident from the previous rulings of the SACS that the judges pointed out that Kobolev had significant funds and, accordingly, the risks of hiding it outside Ukraine.
In addition, Kobolev also asked the VAKS to return his passports in order to “develop sanctions against Russia at the global level.” But the judges denied him that as well.
NABU and SAP accuse Kobolev of illegally receiving funds from Naftogaz in the amount of more than UAH 229.25 million.
In total, according to law enforcers, during 2017-2022 Andriy Kobolev was accrued more than 413 million UAH of income.
Now continues judicial consideration of proceedings against Kobolev in the VAKS.Restrictive measures and bail in the amount of UAH 107 million, which was deposited.
Kobolev’s reaction
Kobolyev commented on his plans to travel abroad. According to him, he is currently in Kyiv (November 20).
“Despite the completion of my duties, I will not run away anywhere (no matter how much someone hopes for it),” he said.
He added that he “did not miss a single court hearing” and plans to appear in person at the next court hearing on November 26, 2024 .
