Ukrainian authorities raided the home of businessman Igor Kolomoisky, once an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, as authorities intensify an effort to tackle corruption.
(Bloomberg) — Ukrainian authorities raided the home of businessman Igor Kolomoisky, once an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, as authorities intensify an effort to tackle corruption.
The early Wednesday search was part of an investigation into the suspected evasion of customs duties and embezzlement linked to Ukrainian oil producer Ukrnafta and refiner Ukrtatnafta, according to a law-enforcement official familiar with the probe who declined to be identified.
Kolomoisky, who has denied any wrongdoing, didn’t immediately reply to a request seeking comment. Zelenskiy’s government last November seized stakes in the companies, which were backed by Kolomoisky, using special wartime powers to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
Before Russia’s invasion, Kolomoisky was a billionaire and one of Ukraine’s richest people with holdings in energy companies, media and other businesses.
Ukraine’s SBU security service and officers from the Economic Security Bureau conducted a search on Kolomoisky’s home in the central city of Dnipro, news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported earlier. It posted photos showing the businessman wearing a tracksuit in a wood-paneled residence.
Authorities are under increasing pressure — from the public as well as allies supporting Ukraine’s war effort — to do more to tackle corruption, which has plagued the nation for decades. Authorities announced a number of investigations into state officials on Wednesday.
Zelenskiy last week dismissed several officials as part of a government shakeup following an outcry over perceived excesses by civil servants.
The European Union has made cracking down on corruption central to Ukraine’s accession ambitions. EU leaders will meet with Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Friday.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2023 Bloomberg L.P.