Court detains former Deputy Foreign Minister Banykov
Former Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Banykov, is under suspicion for allegedly embezzling international aid intended for the country amid the early stages of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) claim that Banykov was part of an organized group that misappropriated over 37 million UAH in charitable donations.
The court proceedings regarding the preventive measure for Banykov spanned several sessions on July 29 and July 31. The prosecutor requested that the ex-official be held in pre-trial detention, proposing an alternative bail amount of 15 million UAH. In contrast, Banykov’s attorney argued for a less severe measure, deeming the bail amount excessive.
Consequently, the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) partially granted the prosecution’s request, reducing Banykov’s bail by 5 million UAH. The former official will remain in pre-trial detention until September 30.
