According to sources cited by Delo.ua, Andriy Pyshnyy, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, has submitted his resignation following searches carried out by NABU detectives and prosecutors from the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). According to a source in the banking sector interviewed by the publication, the official cited health reasons as the official reason for his resignation.
What is known about Andriy Pyshnyy’s possible resignation
On the possible dismissal of the head of the National Bank on 21 October reported publication Delo citing its own source in the banking sector. According to the source, Andriy Pyshnyy has already drawn up a letter of resignation, citing health reasons for his decision.
The publication’s source also claims that two personal mobile phones were allegedly seized from the official during the searches. There is currently no independent confirmation of this information.
According to Delo.ua, the issue of a change in the National Bank’s leadership had been under consideration for some time. In particular, his resignation was reportedly planned for after Pyshnyy’s return from the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok, but at that time he allegedly refused to step down voluntarily.
These circumstances are also based on a report from an anonymous source. No official statements confirming the details given have been released.
NABU has confirmed that searches have taken place at the National Bank
On 21 October, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine announced that its detectives, under the procedural supervision of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, are conducting authorised searches on the premises of the NBU and at the home of one of the institution’s staff members.
However, the anti-corruption agency did not name the person at whose home the investigative measures took place, nor did it disclose any details of the criminal proceedings.
The NABU specifically emphasised that no one had been detained and that no notices of suspicion had been served.
The National Bank has also confirmed that investigative measures are being carried out at its premises. The regulator’s press office stated that further details would be provided once the procedural measures had been completed. Meanwhile, the NBU continues to operate as normal.
What kind of case might the searches be linked to?
People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated that the investigation may relate to the activities of the state-owned Sens Bank and the company «Karpatnaftohim».
Previously, the NABU and the SAPO had reported on an investigation as part of Operation «Forest Gump», relating to the possible use of a state-owned bank for private interests. According to the investigation, those involved in the alleged scheme attempted to arrange for funds of dubious origin to be used to post bail in criminal proceedings.
At the same time, NABU has not officially confirmed that the searches carried out on 21 October are linked specifically to this case. Nor has the agency reported that a notice of suspicion has been served on Andriy Pyshnyy.
Who could take over as head of the National Bank in place of Pyshnyy?
According to a source at Delo.ua, the names being discussed as possible candidates for the post of Governor of the National Bank include Serhiy Nikolaychuk, First Deputy Governor of the NBU; Serhiy Marchenko, Minister of Finance; and Vasyl Horbal, a member of the NBU Council.
A source speaking to the publication specifically named Nikolaychuk as a possible successor to Pyshnyy. He also claims that Marchenko allegedly turned down an offer to head the regulator.
Under Article 18 of the Law «On the National Bank of Ukraine», the head of the regulator is dismissed by the Verkhovna Rada upon the recommendation of the President. Therefore, even if it is confirmed that a letter of resignation has been written, this will not automatically result in the termination of the official’s powers.
Andriy Pyshnyy has been Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine since 7 October 2022.
