At its meeting, the Supreme Council of Justice authorized the detention of the former head of the Supreme Court, Vsevolod Knyazev, who, together with his lawyer, is suspected of receiving $2.7 million in bribes. This was reported by SAP spokeswoman Olga Postoliuk.
Postoliuk reported that the Supreme Council of Justice agreed to the detention of the ex-head of the Supreme Court.
On May 15, Vsevolod Knyazev was arrested for a bribe totaling 2.7 million dollars. Such improper remuneration was supposed to contribute to the resolution of the issue in the case that was considered by the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court. It is about the case of ownership of 40.19% of Poltava Mining and Processing Plant (PGZK) Ferrexpo. By its decision, the body left the said shares to Zhevago-related companies, canceling the invalidation of purchase and sale contracts concluded 20 years ago.
As confirmed by NABU, the Chairman of the Supreme Court Vsevolod Knyazev received money from people who supported the court's decision in favor of the oligarch, ex-owner of the bank "Finance and Credit" and former People's Deputy Kostyantyn Zhevago.
In particular, the case involves a certain bar association, which in fact was a kind of back office and acted as an intermediary in the organization of bribes for judges. Under the guise of attorney services and legal support, group members agreed with judges to make decisions in favor of their "clients" (individuals or legal entities) for a certain fee.
Sessions in the case were adjourned several times to agree on the details of the transfer-receipt of the bribe.
It is noted that on May 3, the members of the criminal organization received the first tranche, and on May 15, the second part was transferred, which was actually recorded at the crime scene with the participation of the head of the Supreme Court, NABU head Serhiy Kryvonis said.
On May 16, the Plenum of the Supreme Court passed a decision to terminate Knyazev's powers as the head of the court. He remains a judge of the Supreme Court, but is detained. In the near future, the court should also choose a preventive measure for him, at the same time, it was impossible to do this without the permission of the High Council of Justice.
