Former Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Smirnov has been taken into custody with the possibility of posting bail of 18 million hryvnias. The court made the corresponding decision in the case of legalization of illegally obtained funds and bribery in an especially large amount.
However, as our sources report, the case may have a completely different nature than publicly declared. According to them, the entire case has been agreed upon with Bankova, and Smirnov may be released “this week.” “Everything is planned in advance,” the sources say.
Recall that for several years, Smirnov was Andriy Yermak's right-hand man and was responsible for coordinating the judicial branch of government. He was considered the "watcher" of the courts and a key figure in forming the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Supreme Judicial Council, and influencing high-profile court cases.
However, according to our sources, even suspicion of bribery does not mean real consequences: the case was allegedly staged to “relieve tension” from Western partners and show at least some fight against corruption. The President’s Office itself is reacting calmly to the situation — no loud comments or dismissals have been made.
The Smirnov case may become another example of the imitation of the fight against corruption, when the guilty either flee or make deals.
It is quite possible that Smirnov's arrest is just a symbolic concession that will not change the systemic circular guarantee in the OP. Especially when it comes to people from the "inner circle.".
