Ukrainian authorities are currently probing a major corruption case within the country's judicial system, revealing a shocking image of stacks of dollars neatly arranged

on a sofa. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has not disclosed the identities of those involved, but local media outlets have reported the detention of Supreme Court Chief Justice Vsevolod Kniaziev on suspicion of accepting a $3 million bribe.

The NABU, along with the Special Anti-corruption Prosecutor's office, posted the cash photo on their Facebook page, attributing it to "undue benefits" linked to the Supreme Court. They stated that comprehensive investigations are underway, promising to release more details in due course. However, Reuters has been unable to independently verify these reports.

Brussels has emphasized the importance of combating corruption as a prerequisite for Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union. Despite progress in recent years, Ukraine currently ranks 116th out of 180 countries on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

Local news sources, including Dzerkalo Tyzhnia and Ukrayinska Pravda, cited anonymous officials claiming that Kniaziev's detention was connected to funds allegedly provided by supporters of Ukrainian billionaire Kostyantyn Zhevago. Zhevago, who faces embezzlement charges, was apprehended in France in response to Kyiv's extradition request. He maintains his innocence.

Dzerkalo Tyzhnia's source asserted that the money was linked to a court decision in April favoring pellet producer Ferrexpo. The report indicated that 18 other Supreme Court judges involved in the Ferrexpo case are currently being investigated.

The Ukrainian Security Service has also issued "notices of suspicion" of embezzlement to businessman Dmytro Firtash and top executives of his affiliated companies. Allegedly, a "large-scale scheme" involving the country's gas transit system facilitated the embezzlement of up to $485 million between 2016 and 2022. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed that ordinary Ukrainians, who paid their utility bills, were among the victims.

Ukraine, while battling Russia's invasion, has been striving to diminish the political influence wielded by certain businessmen since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Firtash's company, Group DF, strongly refuted the allegations, asserting their intention to vigorously defend their interests through legal means.

Amidst these developments, Kyiv experienced multiple explosions as Russia launched a relentless air attack on the capital, deploying drones, cruise missiles, and potentially ballistic missiles. This marked the eighth attack on the capital in the current month, with Ukraine claiming to have intercepted all 18 incoming missiles.

Ukraine has been engaged in court system reforms since 2014 when massive protests led to the downfall of President Viktor Yanukovych's government. The demonstrators demanded action against the deeply rooted corruption that plagued the country since its independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Ukraine's allies have urged the nation to accelerate reforms in exchange for financial aid and stronger ties. Photo by Wadco2, Wikimedia commons.