NABU finishes probe into ex-minister Chernyshov over alleged bribery scheme

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has completed a pre-trial investigation into a corruption case involving former Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Chernyshov and a Kyiv real estate developer, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) reported.

According to investigators, the owner of a construction company allegedly attempted to bribe the former minister by offering apartments at heavily discounted prices in exchange for assistance in securing a land plot in Kyiv for a residential development project.

To carry out the scheme, the developer allegedly provided officials with apartments at significantly reduced prices — from UAH 1,000 to 8,000 per square meter, compared to the market value of around UAH 30,000.

The total value of the alleged undue benefit is estimated at UAH 18.4 million.

Chernyshov, who was formally notified of suspicion by NABU in June 2025, has publicly denied any wrongdoing.

"I have not received any discounts, I am not receiving any, and I do not plan to receive any. I have no personal interest in these apartments or investment agreements. I don’t even know where these properties are located and have never been there," he stated during a court hearing on June 27, when restrictive measures were imposed.

Chernyshov also argued that the land plot in question was not lost and the state suffered no damages.

Nevertheless, prosecutors have charged him under: Article 364, Part 2 — attempted abuse of office committed by prior conspiracy, Article 368, Part 4 — receiving improper benefits (bribery), Article 15, Part 2 and Article 28, Part 2 — criminal attempt and conspiracy

Other suspects include a former state secretary of the ministry, the former head of a state-owned enterprise, a former ministerial advisor, the developer, and the developer’s representative.

• On November 11, 2025, Chernyshov was also notified of suspicion in a separate case concerning illicit enrichment.
• Chernyshov entered politics in 2019, when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed him head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration. Less than six months later, he became Minister of Community and Territorial Development. In 2022, he was appointed CEO of Naftogaz, and in December 2024 returned to the Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity of Ukraine. He held the post until July 2025, when the government changed.