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[キーウ １日 ロイター] – Ukrainian authorities raided the homes of Ihor Kolomoisky, a former ally of President Zelensky, and former Interior Minister Avakov, as well as the tax office. Two days before the summit meeting with the European Union (EU), it seems that the aim is to show the stance of promoting anti-corruption measures.
Some media have reported that the investigation into Kolomoisky’s home is linked to financial crimes. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) later said they had uncovered a plan to embezzle over $1 billion from oil companies and refineries formerly partly owned by Kolomoisky.
Kolomoisky has denied any wrongdoing. He could not be reached for comment on the raid.
Former Interior Minister Avakov said his home was searched as part of an investigation into a helicopter crash near the capital Kyiv (Kyiv) on January 18. The crash killed 14 people, including Monastirsky.
President Zelensky, who is aiming to join the EU, is promoting measures to fight corruption, and sacked high-ranking officials one after the other on January 24. A ruling party official said Zelensky, David Alahamia, on Monday that all customs officers were to be dismissed and that a senior official of the defense ministry had been informed of the allegations. “War changes countries. Those who are not ready to change help their governments to change,” he wrote on the Telegram chat app.
