On May 5, 2025, the High Anti-Corruption Court began questioning witnesses in the case of former MP Andrii Derkach, who is accused of collaborating with Russian intelligence services and illicit enrichment. Today, the court heard from witnesses involved in the transfer of cash to Derkach.
The first witness to be questioned was Anatolii Melnyk. He testified that he delivered cash to an office at 8 Laboratorna Street, sometimes doing so simply upon request, without any specific instructions regarding a product or service. According to him, he would meet a person who stated a code word, after which he handed over sealed bags. The prosecutor believes the money was received by Ihor Kolesnikov, a former assistant to Derkach. However, the prosecutor noted discrepancies between Melnyk’s current testimony and his statements given during the pre-trial investigation, and asked whether he had been influenced. Melnyk denied any pressure but admitted that during the NABU interrogation, he did not fully understand the situation and simply agreed with the detectives.
Later, another witness, Yaroshyn, testified. He had worked with Melnyk and gave him instructions. Yaroshyn confirmed that he also delivered bags of money, sometimes without checking the contents. While he stated that he did not personally know Derkach or Kolesnikov, he did not rule out the possibility that Kolesnikov or his son may have received the funds. The transfers were made anonymously—recipients would simply receive a bag with a code, and occasionally a phone number.
Interestingly, the interrogation of Ihor Kolesnikov himself was scheduled for the same day. However, when the convoy arrived at the pre-trial detention facility, it turned out he was not there. The reasons for his absence are yet to be clarified, but the next hearing is expected to ensure his presence for questioning. Notably, Kolesnikov has already been convicted of treason.
In addition, the defense requested that Petro Poroshenko be summoned as a witness. The court has postponed its decision on this matter for now.
According to investigators, between 2019 and 2022, Andrii Derkach received at least $567,000 from Russian intelligence services. Law enforcement officials believe these funds were used to conduct information attacks, undermine Ukraine’s European integration, and damage relations with Western partners. His case has been under consideration at the HACC since December 2023.