Ukraine completes probe into Tymoshenko over alleged bribery network

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have completed a pre-trial investigation into a leader of a parliamentary faction, widely identified as Yulia Tymoshenko.

She is accused of attempting to systematically bribe fellow lawmakers in Ukraine’s parliament to influence voting outcomes, Caliber.Az reports, citing NABU.

According to the bureau, investigators gathered evidence suggesting the suspect sought to establish a corruption network within parliament by offering illicit financial incentives to deputies.

The politician was formally notified of suspicion in January 2026.

While NABU’s statement did not name the individual, it refers to Tymoshenko.

NABU said the investigation found that in December 2025, despite earlier bribery cases involving Ukrainian lawmakers being exposed by NABU and SAPO, the suspect began negotiating with certain members of parliament to establish a system of payments in exchange for loyal voting.

“The scheme allegedly involved advance payments and required lawmakers to follow instructions on whether to vote ‘for’ or ‘against,’ abstain, or not participate. Under Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a court verdict,” the statement noted.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov