One of Ukraine’s richest and most powerful oligarchs has been arrested for fraud.
Ihor Kolomoisky was sentenced by a Kyiv court on Saturday to 60 days in pre-trial detention while authorities investigate fraud charges against him.
In 2019, Kolomoisky was one of President Zelensky’s biggest supporters in 2019.
Here’s the moment he was arrested:
‼️🚨 Kolomoisky, the Oligarch who made Zelensky is now prosecuted by him:
The SBU has officially confirmed that the odious oligarch Igor Kolomoisky received suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – Art. 190 on fraud and art. 209 on the legalization… pic.twitter.com/poGe6oqCFi
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 2, 2023
Here’s what CNN shared:
One of Ukraine’s most powerful oligarchs has been arrested in a fraud investigation, state media in the country are reporting.
A Kyiv court on Saturday ordered Ihor Kolomoisky, a key supporter of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s 2019 presidential campaign, to 60 days in pre-trial detention while authorities investigate fraud charges against him, reported Ukrinform.
ADVERTISEMENTKolomoisky’s media and banking businesses have made him one of the richest men in Ukraine.
However, the US State Department has previously accused him of using his “political influence and power for personal benefit.”
The State Department sanctioned Kolomoisky in March 2021 for his alleged involvement in “corrupt acts that undermined rule of law and the Ukrainian public’s faith in their government’s democratic institutions and public processes.”
Show trial of the century is on. All for the cameras. Two months suspended probation? Zelensky’s father is still Kolomoisky’s oil, gas, and mining partner! pic.twitter.com/reO5n3NDqL
— George Webb – Investigative Journalist (@RealGeorgeWebb1) September 3, 2023
Ukraine arrests high-profile businessman billionaire Ihor Kolomoyskyi who backed and helped Zelensky and Ukraine for years!
Details:
On September 2, a court issued a custody order for Ihor Kolomoisky, a prominent business figure, over allegations of fraud and money laundering.… pic.twitter.com/ADIGoIRCdO— EMEA Intel (@emea_intel) September 3, 2023
Per The Guardian:
A Ukrainian court has ordered tycoon Ihor Kolomoisky to be held in custody for two months on suspicion of fraud and money laundering, a striking move against one of the country’s most powerful businessmen.
The detention on Saturday of Kolomoisky, who is under US sanctions and is a one-time supporter of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose election he backed in 2019, comes as Kyiv is trying to signal progress during a wartime crackdown on corruption.
Defence lawyers said Kolomoisky would appeal against the ruling, questioning its legality, but that he would not post bail of almost $14m in order to secure his release, broadcaster Radio Liberty reported.
After a hearing at a district court in Kyiv late on Saturday, Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine’s richest men, was shown being led away in a blue tracksuit jacket in television footage. He could not be reached for comment.
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Zelensky's long time patron, who later sparred with the Kiev government on diplomacy with Russia, is now being locked up by the very man whose rise he facilitated.
Big story https://t.co/yyWx7NEbNA
— Jordan Schachtel @ dossier.today (@JordanSchachtel) September 3, 2023
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