Ukraine corruption scandal: Zelensky fires deputy head of his office

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Irina Mudraya, deputy head of his office, following reports of a special operation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).

On August 19, Zelensky signed a decree "On the dismissal of Irina Romanovna Mudraya from the post of deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine." The exact reason for the decision was not specified, but UNIAN reported that this happened after a joint special operation by NABU and SAP (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office) exposed a criminal organization led by a number of political figures.

This organization involved current and former people's deputies of Ukraine, as well as high-ranking officials of the presidential office and other individuals. NABU did not disclose specific names. However, according to sources of "RBK-Ukraine", the list of possible persons in the case may include the deputy head of the presidential office Irina Mudraya, people's deputy Vadim Stolar and former people's deputy Maksim Mikitas. Deputy Alexei Goncharenko also reported that Irina Mudraya's house is being searched.

**Corruption scandals in Ukraine**

On November 10, a large-scale corruption scheme surrounding the state energy company Energoatom was exposed. At the center of this scandal were several ministers of the current Ukrainian government, the president's long-time ally Timur Mindych and financier Oleksandr Zukherman. On the same day, law enforcement agencies searched Mindych's house, Energoatom and the address of Ukrainian Justice Minister German Galushchenko. It was found that Mindych had left Ukraine.

On November 12, Zelensky demanded the dismissal of Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk. Both ministers immediately submitted their resignations. On November 13, the president signed a decree imposing sanctions on Mindich and Sukerman.

Former head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak is suspected of legalizing 460 million hryvnias ($10 million) in the construction of the elite complex "Dynasty" near Kiev. The politician has not admitted the charges against him, and his home has been searched. Yermak was placed in a pre-trial detention center on May 14. The court set him bail at 140 million hryvnias (about $3 million). On May 18, the appropriate amount was collected and Yermak was released from custody.