On August 19, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine made an unprecedented decision regarding the state-owned Sense Bank. The government initiated the dismissal of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Nikolai Gladyschenko, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alexey Stupak. This decision was a direct response to the materials of the pre-trial investigation published by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP).

Government Reaction to Corruption Schemes

The decision to dismiss the top management was announced by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Serhiy Koretsky, in his Telegram channel. According to him, trust is a fundamental condition for the operation of a state financial institution, and the facts revealed by anti-corruption bodies cannot go unaddressed. The Prime Minister emphasized that accountability must extend to all officials mentioned in the investigation materials. This became the first step in a large-scale purge that the government intends to carry out within the bank's structure to restore its reputation and financial stability.

Who are Gladyschenko and Stupak?

Nikolai Gladyschenko, dismissed from the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board, joined the governing body in October 2025 as an independent member. His resume boasts over 17 years of experience in the banking sector and public finance. Previously, he held executive positions at Delta Bank, Alfa Bank, and the Ukrainian Financial Housing Company. Alexey Stupak, who took over the Board of Directors in February 2024, also has impressive experience — over 20 years in the banking sector, including work at Pravex Bank, Index Bank, and Credit Agricole Bank. He joined Sense Bank as early as 2019, where he was responsible for corporate business.

The Essence of the Investigation: "Forrest Gump" and 150 Million UAH

The reason for such drastic measures was an investigation codenamed "Forrest Gump." NABU and SAP announced the exposure of a criminal organization to which, according to the investigation, officials from the Office of the President, as well as current and former MPs, may be involved. According to the prosecution, the group members organized a scheme to launder 150 million UAH in cash. Prosecutors stated that the money was brought in bags and processed through Sense Bank accounts and controlled companies. The investigation materials also mention attempts to gain control over the bank and interference in the competition for the head of SAP.

Contradictory Data

The case involves the names of high-ranking officials, sparking a sharp public debate. Among the figures, sources name Deputy Head of the Office of the President Irina Mudra (who has already been fired), MP Vadym Stolar, and former MP Maksym Nikitas. The media pays special attention to the role of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Daniil Hetmantsev. In the published recording fragments, claims were made about his probable influence on the nationalized bank. However, the MP himself categorically denies these claims, stating his readiness to take a polygraph test and give testimony to investigators. So far, no official charges have been brought against him, and the question of his involvement remains open.

Parliamentary Oversight and Prospects

The situation around Sense Bank has reached such a level of acuteness that the Verkhovna Rada summoned the head of the National Bank, Andriy Pyshnyy, for a report. The corresponding decision was supported by 155 MPs. Legislators are demanding explanations as to how conditions for large-scale money laundering could arise in a state bank and why the regulator did not prevent these actions. It is expected that new bank executives will be appointed in the near future, who will be required to conduct an audit and restore trust in the financial system.