Vice Prime Minister for Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Chernyshov unexpectedly did not return to Ukraine after a recent "business trip". His absence coincided with a high-profile anti-corruption operation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), within the framework of which, according to sources, law enforcement officers are preparing a report of suspicion against him. The investigation focuses on multi-billion-dollar losses to the state and a corruption scheme with land in the capital.
The situation surrounding the Kyiv forum organized by Chernyshov's ministry caused the greatest indignation. Although the event was planned offline, the vice prime minister himself unexpectedly spoke online — from abroad. He spoke about the "future of Ukraine" while being far from it. Why? It's simple — at this very time, NABU had already detained two of his associates. One of them was trying to leave the country. Chernyshov managed to do so earlier.
According to law enforcement sources, this is a deal that caused the state at least 1 billion hryvnia in losses. The essence of the scheme is the transfer of a plot of land in the capital to a developer at a price five times lower than the market price. In return, instead of investments in social infrastructure or housing for the military, elite apartments for a pittance were given to the bodyguard of the vice-prime minister. It was at that time that Chernyshov headed the Ministry of Regional Development, which gave him access to the necessary resources.
This is not the first time Chernyshov's name has appeared in anti-corruption investigations. The official's declarations include expensive cars, an estate near Kyiv, works of art, and shares in companies. But, sources say, this is only the visible part. His real fortune is estimated at over $100 million. He allegedly withdrew part of these funds through the Barabashovo market, the main business asset with which he has been associated since the Kharkiv days.
The SBU has recorded shipments of contraband worth over 2 million hryvnias in this market. There are also at least four criminal proceedings and one administrative case against companies associated with his business environment.
Oleksiy Chernyshov is one of the closest figures in the government to Bankova. In 2021, he was the only government official invited to Andriy Yermak’s birthday party in Sinehora, where guests were flown in by helicopter. In the same year, he was among the few who celebrated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s birthday during quarantine.
Today, Chernyshov is the main contender for "fugitive" status. Given the scale of the case and direct connections with the already detained participants in the scheme, his situation looks increasingly critical.
According to sources, law enforcement officers have already prepared a draft of suspicion. It should be announced in the near future. If this happens, Ukraine will gain another high-ranking official who can be officially put on the wanted list.
The main question remains: will Chernyshov appear himself, or will he follow the example of other wartime “emigrants”?
