Court orders detention of former deputy head of President's Office amidst ongoing corruption investigation
In a striking turn of events, Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the former deputy head of the President's Office, Andrii Smyrnov, to spend the next few weeks behind bars. This decision comes as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of widespread corruption, with Smyrnov set to remain in custody until May 22, 2025, pending a bail of approximately $430,000.
Originally, prosecutors had pushed for a higher bail amount of over $477,000, claiming the need for stricter detention due to the risks of witness interference. However, the court only partially granted their request.
Smyrnov, who held the position of deputy head from September 2019 until an unexpected dismissal in March 2024, is currently under investigation for various charges. These include accepting a bribe worth $100,000 and allegedly legalizing assets amounting to more than $426,000 during the years 2020-2022. This sum greatly surpasses his officially reported income for the same period—a relatively modest $32,500.
His lawyer has argued that the prosecution has failed to present any new evidence or justify the need for detention, calling the request "unsubstantiated." The defense argues further that the case has been stagnant for six months with no significant progress.
Following the ruling, Smyrnov maintained his innocence, asserting, "I consider this decision unfair. I will fight and prove that I am right."
Investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau have revealed that Smyrnov acquired various assets, including luxury cars, motorcycles, real estate in Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblast, and a land plot, without adequately declaring them. To conceal his ownership, Smyrnov reportedly transferred the majority of these assets to his brother but was secretly retaining access.
In April 2025, Smyrnov was charged with new offenses, including money laundering, through the construction of seaside homes in Odesa Oblast using illicitly cashed funds and accepting $100,000 worth of construction services in 2022, in exchange for manipulating a tender decision by Ukraine's Antimonopoly Committee.
- Andrii Smyrnov's lawyer argued that the prosecution failed to present new evidence or justify the need for detention, calling the request for bail "unsubstantiated."
- The ongoing investigation into Smyrnov includes charges of accepting a bribe worth $100,000 and allegedly legalizing assets amounting to more than $426,000 during the years 2020-2022.
- The High Anti-Corruption Court has ordered Smyrnov to spend the next few weeks behind bars, pending a bail of approximately $430,000, as part of the ongoing corruption investigation.
- The court ruling came amid news that Smyrnov had been charged with new offenses in April 2025, including money laundering and accepting construction services worth $100,000 in exchange for manipulating a tender decision by Ukraine's Antimonopoly Committee.
