Former associate of Poroshenko detained in Spain: Ukraine demands extradition

On May 14, Ukrainian authorities released a major update that drew the attention of the international community. A former first deputy secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council was detained in Spain. This was officially confirmed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office.

Although the identity of the arrested individual has not been officially disclosed, Ukrainian media — including Ukrayinska Pravda and Suspilne — citing sources, report that the person in question is Oleh Hladkovskyi (formerly known as Svynarchuk), who served in that position from 2015 to 2019.

Oleh Hladkovskyi has frequently appeared in the media as a close business associate of Ukraine’s fifth president, Petro Poroshenko. According to official sources, he has been on the international wanted list since April 2024, accused of embezzling state funds and causing financial damage exceeding 17 million hryvnias.

Currently, the issue of Hladkovskyi’s extradition from Spain to Ukraine is under legal review. NABU and the prosecutor’s office are demanding his return to face criminal charges.

This case may spark renewed debate in Ukraine regarding transparency, accountability, and justice concerning the financial and political activities of high-ranking officials.

Zamin.uz editorial staff will continue monitoring developments around this case. What do you think: does the arrest of top officials abroad mark a new chapter in Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts?

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