On October 15, 2025, the HACC Appeals Chamber upheld the prosecutor’s appeal against the decision of an investigating judge who had refused to authorize a special pre-trial investigation regarding oligarch Kostiantyn Zhevaho. Thus, the Appeals Chamber granted permission to conduct an in absentia investigation against the suspect.

During the appeal hearing, the prosecutor insisted on the need for the special investigation to ensure procedural efficiency and effective pre-trial proceedings, as Zhevaho remains wanted by law enforcement.

The defense objected, arguing that there were no grounds to authorize the request since extradition proceedings in France were still ongoing.

As reported earlier, in September 2025, a HACC investigating judge refused to grant NABU’s motion for special pre-trial investigation, reasoning that the international wanted notice alone was insufficient and that submitting such a motion before an extradition decision was premature. If extradition is carried out, the judge noted, Zhevaho would be able to participate personally in the criminal proceedings.

The NABU and the SAPO suspect Kostiantyn Zhevaho of offering a $2.7 million bribe to former Supreme Court Chairman Vsevolod Kniaziev in exchange for a favorable ruling for a company under his control.