NABU unveils investigation into senior officials, lawmakers, Sense Bank

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has launched an investigation into senior officials and lawmakers involved in a criminal scheme, according to a statement released on April 19. Dubbed "Forrest Gump," the probe aims to dismantle high-level corruption. The accused allegedly arranged a UAH150 million ($3.36 million) bail for former energy minister Herman Halushchenko through a series of accounts belonging to shell companies.

Although NABU did not name the individual whose bail was paid, opposition MP Oleksiy Honcharenko suggested it covered Halushchenko's bail. Deputy head of the President's Office Iryna Mudra was also identified as a target. Mudra's lawyers reported her detention when NABU unveiled the operation. Lawmaker Vadym Stolar confirmed searches at his home, stating he is cooperating with investigators.

Parliamentary sources suggested Stolar was abroad and beyond Ukrainian law enforcement's immediate reach. NABU shared audio and video excerpts from the operation, which included discussions of large cash transfers and a reference to the films Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump, inspiring the name of the investigation. The scheme allegedly involved current and former MPs, officials from the President's Office, senior figures at Sense Bank, and other participants.

The money was reportedly coordinated and controlled by the bank's senior management. Sense Bank confirmed searches at its head office on August 19 and stated it is cooperating with investigators while maintaining normal customer services.