Billionaire & former Zelensky ally’s home(s) raided by Ukraine
February 2, 2023 in News by RBN Staff
Source: South China Morning Post
Ukraine authorities raid homes of billionaire Kolomoisky, former interior minister Avakov
- Businessman Ihor Kolomoisky’s home was searched, according to reports; he is one of Ukraine’s richest men and a one-time ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky
- Arsen Avakov said his own house searched as part of investigation into purchase of Airbus helicopters; one crashed last month killing 14, including Interior Minister
Ukrainian state security officials searched the home of billionaire businessman Ihor Kolomoisky on Wednesday, in what media outlets said was an investigation into possible financial crimes, while former interior minister Arsen Avakov told a newspaper his home was searched as part of an investigation into a purchase of Airbus helicopters.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) did not immediately reply to a request for comment, and Kolomoisky could not be reached for comment.
A senior governing party official confirmed Kolomoisky’s home had been searched – as well as that of a former interior minister – but did not state the reason.
Kolomoisky is one of Ukraine’s richest men and a one-time ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who launched a crackdown on wealthy businessmen known as “oligarchs” in late 2021, before Russia launched its invasion.
Photographs on social media appeared to show Kolomoisky looking on in the presence of at least one SBU officer inside a large wooden home. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the images.
Kolomoisky, who owns an array of assets including one of Ukraine’s most influential television channels, backed Zelensky’s election campaign in 2019.
Online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda said Wednesday’s search related to an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of oil products and evasion of customs duties, and that it was carried out by the SBU and the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine.
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 formerly tied to Kolomoisky.
