Former Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev confirmed that his passport has been returned to him following the suspension of certain procedural obligations. He remains in Kyiv and pledged to notify the court of his travels abroad.
“I am in Kyiv and have not missed a single court hearing over the past year and a half regarding my case,” Kobolyev told LB.ua.
He explained that one of his previous obligations required him to deposit his travel passports with the State Migration Service. However, these obligations ceased a week ago for technical reasons beyond his or his lawyers’ control, allowing him to regain his passports.
Kobolyev stated that he plans to continue attending international events to support Ukraine’s energy sustainability. He has informed both the court and the prosecutor in writing that he will notify them in advance of any foreign trips and his subsequent return to Ukraine.
“I remain committed to defending myself against the charges, which I consider unfounded, in the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC),” he added.
Case Background
- Kobolyev is accused of abusing his official position in 2018 by initiating the approval of bonuses through Naftogaz’s Supervisory Board. Allegedly, he awarded himself a $10 million bonus while concealing information about maximum allowable amounts from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Supervisory Board.
- The investigation found that Kobolyev received bonuses exceeding the legal limit of UAH 229,250,410.
- In October 2023, the HACC extended the term of Kobolyev’s procedural obligations. Previously, the court had reduced his bail by UAH 122 million and lifted the requirement for an electronic monitoring bracelet. On 12 November, the court allowed the procedural obligations to expire. Kobolyev confirmed that he would attend his next hearing on 26 November.