Court Reinstated Deputy Head of the State Customs Service Ruslan Cherkasskyi, Linked to Corruption, and Ordered Payment of Over 2,1 Million Hryvnias

Earlier his name appeared in investigations into million-dollar wealth, cash seizures, and possible money laundering.

The Sixth Administrative Court of Appeal annulled the Cabinet of Ministers' order and the State Customs Service’s order to dismiss Cherkassky in March 2023 of the year. He was reinstated to the position as of 28 of March 2023. In addition, the customs service must pay him 2 121 484,50 hryvnias as average earnings for the period of forced downtime.

Cherkassky figured in the NABU proceedings on possible illicit enrichment and legalization of funds. In particular, his civil wife Maria Trifonova, in 2022 year, took out of Ukraine more than €1,64 million in cash. To explain the source of part of the funds, she cited withdrawing $760 thousand from an account at Ibox Bank, but the bank stated that she did not have such an account.

Journalists also uncovered property linked to Cherkassky in Dubai with an estimated value of $25 million. And the NACP questioned a gift from a pensioner father amounting to $150 thousand, noted in the customs officer’s declaration.

A separate scandal erupted around Biopatid — a counterfeit weight-loss drug. The TRYFONOVA MD clinic promoted this product, and she herself was its brand ambassador. In September 2026 year, Trifonova was detained in a case of illegal production and sale of the drug.

Now Cherkassky is not only reinstated to his post, but is also set to receive over 2,1 million hryvnias from the budget.

The court decision of 3 November 2026 year has entered into force, however the Cabinet and the State Customs Service can appeal it to the Supreme Court.