The alleged corruption scheme involves monthly transfers of $50 million to UAE-based companies linked to a former Ukrainian state official
The entourage of Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky transfers $50 million every month to bank accounts belonging to two companies based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Turkish newspaper Aydınlık reported on Monday. The funneled money was reportedly obtained through corruption.
Graft has remained one of the most pressing challenges facing Ukraine. Brussels has repeatedly suggested adopting stronger anti-corruption measures as a precondition for EU membership.
According to the publication, the tens of millions are reportedly transferred to the accounts of GFM Investment Group and Gmyrin Family Holding. The companies are said to be linked to a former advisor to the Ukraine State Property Fund, Andrey Gmyrin, who allegedly manages the money.
Gmyrin, who is currently under an international arrest warrant in connection with alleged corruption schemes causing “significant damage to the state budget,” was reportedly arrested in France last year on charges related to money laundering and stolen assets.
The publication does not provide any official comments from the Ukrainian authorities.
Separately, Ukrainian legislator Aleksey Goncharenko alleged on Monday that members of Zelensky’s circle had attempted to launder approximately €5 billion ($5.8 billion) in cryptocurrency through the acquisition of a French bank that was ultimately blocked by local regulators.
The claim posted on the lawmaker’s Telegram channel is based on alleged hidden recordings reportedly seized by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which has recently found itself at the center of Zelensky’s controversial crackdown on anti-graft institutions.
The Ukrainian leader has faced growing criticism following his attempt to strip NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) of their independence, citing Russian influence. Critics argue that these accusations served as a pretext to dismantle institutions investigating high-level graft, some of which implicated members of Zelensky’s inner circle.
The move sparked widespread domestic protests and drew sharp warnings from Brussels, which has linked anti-corruption reforms to accession talks, ultimately forcing Zelensky to backtrack and introduce a new version of the bill.
Public trust in Zelensky has fallen sharply following his failed attempt to weaken anti-corruption agencies. Pollsters say that widespread corruption, more than any other issue, has eroded citizens’ confidence in his leadership.
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