Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies took decisive action on Friday, temporarily freezing assets worth more than $80 million connected to billionaire Ihor Kolomoisky. This move is part of an ongoing embezzlement investigation, as reported by Ukrainian media.
Kolomoisky, a prominent figure in Ukraine’s business landscape and often referred to as an oligarch, had been placed in custody last week on suspicions of money laundering. Recent reports suggest that he is also under scrutiny as a suspect in an embezzlement case.
No immediate response was received from Kolomoisky’s legal representatives regarding the asset freezes, and his legal team has refrained from commenting on the embezzlement allegations. Kolomoisky has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced the freezing of assets, which includes more than 3 billion hryvnia, alongside nearly 1,000 properties and over 1,600 vehicles and vessels associated with the former owner of PrivatBank.
It’s noteworthy that Kolomoisky was once the owner of PrivatBank, which was nationalized in late 2016 as part of a broader effort to stabilize Ukraine’s banking sector.
Kolomoisky is among a group of tycoons who amassed considerable wealth in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s dissolution and wielded political influence in Ukraine’s emerging post-Soviet democracy.
These actions against Kolomoisky occur as Kyiv endeavors to demonstrate progress in tackling corruption, particularly during a period marked by ongoing conflict. Addressing corruption is a key element of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union. Ukrainian officials have also emphasized the importance of “de-oligarchization” as part of their efforts to build a more resilient state following the conflict with Russia.
