On July 18, 2025, the HACC ruled to extend the obligations imposed on former Supreme Court Chairman Vsevolod Kniaziev as a defendant in a bribery case.
According to the prosecutor, the risks of flight and witness tampering persist. In addition, a substantial portion of the illicit benefit remains unaccounted for. The pre-trial assessment of Kniaziev’s family’s assets prior to the criminal proceedings exceeds UAH 40 million.
The defense objected to the extension, arguing that the alleged risks are unsubstantiated. Kniaziev himself stated that he is currently unemployed and pursuing university studies. He also argued that, given Ukraine’s active extradition mechanism, the risk of absconding no longer applies.
During the hearing, the HACC continued examining evidence. The prosecutor submitted reports containing photo and video materials of meetings between businessman Horetskyi and a judge of the Civil Cassation Court, as well as with notary Kyrylo Horburov.
Also submitted was a surveillance report concerning USD 1.348 million in cash, which investigators claim constituted illegal benefits. The money was divided into 13 bundles and placed in 8 black plastic bags, each containing between USD 90,000 and 150,000. In September 2023, the packages were first delivered to an apartment where Kniaziev allegedly received the funds, and later moved to the premises of the Supreme Court.
However, the defense noted that the photo and video evidence referenced in the report was not attached, arguing that the report’s contents are therefore unreliable.
The NABU and the SAPO suspect Vsevolod Kniaziev, former Chairman of the Supreme Court, of organizing a scheme to receive bribes for passing verdicts.