The billionaire and former supporter of the Ukrainian president is suspected of tax evasion and embezzlement. Volodymyr Zelenskyy revoked his Ukrainian citizenship last July.
Ukrainian security services searched the home of businessman Ihor Kolomoisky on Wednesday as part of an investigation into possible financial crimes, multiple media reported.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) did not respond to a request for comment and Ihor Kolomoisky was not immediately available. An official of the ruling party confirmed this The billionaire’s house was searched, as well as that of a former interior minister, but without giving the reasons. Photos circulating on social media appear to show Ihor Kolomoisky in a tracksuit with at least one SBU officer at his home, a large wooden house.
Portal could not immediately verify the authenticity of these images. Ihor Kolomoisky is one of the richest men in Ukraine and a former ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who cracked down on “oligarchs” in late 2021 before Russia unleashed its invasion of Ukraine.
Originally from the city of Dnipro in central Ukraine, Ihor Kolomoisky has a number of assets including one TV channel most influential in the country. Wednesday’s raid was linked to an investigation into alleged diversion of petroleum products and customs fraud, according to online outlet Ukrainska Pravda. It would be carried out by the SBU and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, he said. Former Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is also involved in this operation.
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Ukrainian anti-corruption officials are also investigating a case in which they suspect eight people of embezzling assets and funds from a state-controlled oil company once linked to Ihor Kolomoisky. The US sanctioned the businessman in 2021 “for his involvement in significant corruption.” Controls were also carried out at the Ukrainian tax authorities and the customs authorities, which were dismissed.
According to US authorities, Ihor Kolomoisky and a business partner are said to have laundered embezzled funds via the United States. The entrepreneur has denied any wrongdoing.