On April 15, 2026, the HACC completed the preparatory proceedings in the case of former Presidential Office Deputy Head Andrii Smyrnov and immediately scheduled the case for trial. Prosecutor Rostyslav Batih opened the first substantive hearing by reading a summary of the indictment. 

The prosecutor stated that during his years as Presidential Office Deputy Head, Smyrnov unlawfully acquired a range of assets through arrangements involving his brother and others. Between 2020 and 2023, he obtained two cars, two parking spaces, two motorcycles, an apartment, and a land plot in Zakarpattia Region — assets with a combined value exceeding UAH 17 million. His lawful declared income over the same period amounted to just over UAH 1 million. 

The prosecutor further stated that in 2021, Smyrnov came into possession of a large sum of cash whose lawful origin he could not establish and which he failed to declare. To launder the money, the prosecution argues, he began funding construction in Odesa Region, where all payments were made exclusively in cash. The total value of the construction work he financed exceeded UAH 6 million. According to the prosecution, Smyrnov was fully aware that his actions were unlawful and that they carried criminal liability.

The prosecutor also drew attention to the role of Smyrnov's personal driver. According to the investigation, he was not merely support staff but effectively Smyrnov's right hand, carrying out specific instructions regarding the management of the acquired assets. His testimony may prove pivotal in the case. 

The prosecutor additionally noted that Ihor Chernyshev's son is likely implicated in the scheme. The prosecution has already initiated his examination to establish his role.

The panel established the personal details of both defendants — Andrii Smyrnov and construction company owner Ihor Chernyshev — both of whom pleaded not guilty and stated their intention to testify in court. 

The defense requested that its opening statements be deferred to the next hearing, citing the need for additional preparation time. The court granted the request.

The first preparatory hearing had taken place on March 18. The preparatory proceedings lasted less than a month in total. During that stage, the defense raised a number of motions:

• a request for panel review was granted,

• a recusal motion against prosecutor Batih on grounds of alleged incompetence was left without consideration,

• a challenge to HACC's jurisdiction was rejected by the HACC Appeals Chamber, which confirmed the case belongs before the HACC,

• complaints regarding the prosecution's temporary access to items and documents were attached to the case file for consideration during the trial,

• and all motions to lift asset freezes were denied.

As previously reported, Andrii Smyrnov is charged with illicit enrichment of UAH 15.7 million, laundering funds through the construction of houses in Odesa Region, and accepting an offer of a $100,000 bribe. According to the investigation, in exchange for the unlawful benefit, he facilitated an Antimonopoly Committee decision in favor of a specific construction company.