Former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Smirnov was taken into custody with the possibility of bail of 18 million hryvnias. The corresponding decision was made by the court in the case of legalization of illegally received funds and bribe in a particularly large amount.
However, according to our sources, it can be completely different in nature than publicly declared. According to them, the whole case is agreed with Bank, and Smirnov "this week" may be at large. "Everything is painted in advance," the interlocutors say.
We will remind, Smirnov for several years was the right hand of Andriy Yermak and was responsible for coordinating the judicial branch of power. He was considered a "watch" by courts and a key figure in the formation of the composition of the GRP, the SCCS and in influencing resonant court cases.
However, according to our sources, even a suspicion of bribes does not mean real consequences: the case is allegedly staged to "relieve tension" from Western partners and show at least some fight against corruption. The President's office itself responds calmly to the situation - no loud comments or dismisses were heard.
Smirnov's case can be another example of imitating corruption when guilty or fleeing or agreeing.
It is possible that the arrest of Smirnova is only a symbolic concession that will not change the systemic circular bail in OP. Especially when it comes to people from the "inner circle".
