Kyiv Independent reports bribery, money laundering charges against expelled Zelensky lawmaker Mykola Tyshchenko

What happened

The Kyiv Independent reports that Mykola Tyshchenko, a lawmaker who was expelled from President Volodymyr Zelensky's party, faces charges including soliciting a bribe exceeding $1 million, money laundering, and false asset declaration, as announced by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on June 29.

According to NABU, Tyshchenko solicited the bribe in 2023 to use his parliamentary influence to benefit call centers, though he reportedly did not receive the payment. The bureau also alleges he laundered approximately 12.6 million hryvnias (about $280,000) via a sham gift agreement with his ex-wife, which he included in his asset declaration, despite no real transfer of funds occurring.

Tyshchenko’s track record includes a series of controversies: in 2020 his restaurant violated COVID-19 lockdown rules; in 2022, Zelensky's party dismissed him from a regional leadership post citing his poor reputation; and in 2023, following an unauthorized trip to Thailand during wartime restrictions on male citizens aged 22 to 60, he was expelled from the Servant of the People parliamentary faction.

Known from the source

• Mykola Tyshchenko was expelled from President Zelensky's party.
• NABU charged him with soliciting a large bribe, money laundering, and lying in his asset declaration.
• He allegedly solicited a bribe for promoting call centers but did not receive the money.
• He is accused of laundering about 12.6 million hryvnias through a false gift agreement involving his ex-wife.
• Tyshchenko was involved in numerous controversies including violating COVID restrictions and traveling abroad without authorization during wartime.

What remains unclear

Further, the State Investigation Bureau charged him in 2024 with illegally detaining a former soldier after a public incident involving a physical altercation in Dnipro. The Kyiv Independent has requested comment from Tyshchenko and intends to update the story should new information become available.

What remains unclear: Confirm that NABU’s charges against Tyshchenko are officially filed and accurate. Verify Tyshchenko's status regarding his expulsion and any internal party documents relating to it. Check for any official responses or denials from Tyshchenko or his representatives. Ensure all claims are attributed to NABU or Kyiv Independent reporting.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Kyiv Independent. Open the source.