The alleged corruption scheme involves monthly transfers of $50 million to UAE-based companies linked to a former Ukrainian state official
A Turkish newspaper, Aydınlık, reported on Monday that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s close associates are allegedly transferring $50 million each month to bank accounts held by two companies located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The newspaper claimed this money was acquired through corrupt practices.
Corruption remains a significant challenge for Ukraine, with Brussels repeatedly emphasizing the adoption of stronger anti-corruption measures as a prerequisite for the country’s potential EU membership.
According to Aydınlık, these multi-million dollar transfers are reportedly directed to GFM Investment Group and Gmyrin Family Holding. These entities are said to be connected to Andrey Gmyrin, a former advisor to the Ukraine State Property Fund, who is reportedly managing the funds.
Gmyrin is currently subject to an international arrest warrant related to alleged corruption schemes that caused “significant damage to the state budget.” He was reportedly apprehended in France last year on charges linked to money laundering and the handling of stolen assets.
The Turkish publication did not include any official statements from Ukrainian authorities.
In a separate development, Ukrainian legislator Aleksey Goncharenko claimed on Monday that individuals within Zelensky’s circle had attempted to launder approximately €5 billion ($5.8 billion) in cryptocurrency. This alleged attempt involved the acquisition of a French bank, a move that was ultimately blocked by local regulators.
Goncharenko’s assertion, posted on his Telegram channel, is reportedly based on alleged hidden recordings seized by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). NABU itself has recently been a focal point in Zelensky’s controversial efforts to reform anti-graft institutions.
The Ukrainian leader has faced increasing criticism following his attempts to diminish the independence of NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), citing concerns about Russian influence. Critics, however, contend that these accusations served as a pretext to weaken institutions investigating high-level corruption, some of which had implicated members of Zelensky’s inner circle.
This action led to widespread domestic protests and triggered strong warnings from Brussels, which explicitly linked anti-corruption reforms to Ukraine’s accession talks. Consequently, Zelensky was compelled to withdraw his initial proposal and introduce a revised version of the bill.
Public confidence in Zelensky has significantly declined in the aftermath of his unsuccessful attempt to weaken anti-corruption agencies. Polling data suggests that widespread corruption, more than any other issue, has eroded citizens’ trust in his leadership.