Fact Check: Chernyshov received over Hr 14.5 million in kickbacks from a developer.

Fact Check: "Chernyshov received over Hr 14.5 million in kickbacks from a developer."

What We Know

The claim that Oleksii Chernyshov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, received over Hr 14.5 million in kickbacks from a developer is substantiated by multiple reports from credible sources. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), during his tenure as the Minister of Communities and Territories from 2020 to 2022, Chernyshov and his associates allegedly undervalued land plots to benefit a developer in exchange for significant discounts on apartments. The total value of these discounts was reported to be over Hr 14.5 million (approximately $346,000) (Kyiv Independent, Yahoo News).

Chernyshov has been officially named a suspect in a high-profile corruption case, which has led to a travel ban and a bail set at Hr 120 million ($2.9 million) (Kyiv Independent, Yahoo News). The allegations suggest that these actions resulted in a loss of Hr 1 billion ($24 million) to the Ukrainian state (Kyiv Independent).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from the ongoing investigation by NABU, which is a reputable anti-corruption agency in Ukraine. The agency's findings indicate that Chernyshov received illegal benefits through real estate transactions that favored a developer (Kyiv Post, Yahoo News). The reports are consistent across multiple outlets, reinforcing the credibility of the information.

Chernyshov has publicly denied the allegations, asserting that he believes the accusations lack objective grounds and that he intends to prove his innocence (Kyiv Independent). However, the fact that he is facing serious legal repercussions, including a substantial bail amount and travel restrictions, indicates that the authorities consider the evidence against him substantial enough to warrant these measures.

The sources used in this analysis are primarily news articles from established media outlets, which have reported on the case with a focus on factual accuracy. The NABU's involvement adds a layer of credibility, as it is an official body tasked with combating corruption in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The claim that Oleksii Chernyshov received over Hr 14.5 million in kickbacks from a developer is True. The evidence provided by the NABU and corroborated by multiple news sources indicates that Chernyshov and his associates engaged in corrupt activities that involved significant financial benefits from real estate transactions.

Fact Check: Chernyshov received over Hr 14.5 million in kickbacks from a developer.