SBU suspects fugitive MP Onyshchenko of high treason

The law enforcers found elements of high treason in the actions of MP Oleksandr Onyshchenko.

As reported by Censor.NET citing 112 Ukraine TV channel, Chief of the Main Investigation Department of the Security Service of Ukraine Hryhorii Ostafiichuk told a briefing.

"Oleksandr Onyshchenko obtained the Russian citizenship. He agreed to cooperate with the Russian authorities to destabilize the situation in Ukraine in exchange for naturalization to evade criminal liability in the territory of Ukraine," Ostafiichuk said.

On March 16, the NABU raided the office of Oleksandr Onyshchenko. It stated the searches were carried out under the pre-trial investigation into abuse of office during the sale of natural gas extracted jointly with Ukrhazvydobuvannia SE.

Later, the NABU requested the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) to lift the immunity of people's deputy Oleksandr Onyshchenko. Moreover, the NABU and the PGO claim Onyshchenko is involved in embezzlement of 1.6 billion hryvnia (approx. $64.02 million).

On June 16, Prosecutor General Yurii Lutsenko issued a motion requesting Verkhovna Rada's consent for criminal prosecution, detention, and pretrial confinement of Onyshchenko. On July 5, the parliament approved the detention and arrest of the people's deputy.

The suspect himself stated he was busy with the preparation for the upcoming Olympics and not going to react to NABU's actions. On July 29, Onyshchenko said he was in the UK and had applied for political asylum.