Ukraine billionaire Igor Kolomoisky, once ally of Zelensky, detained over fraud suspicion

A Kyiv court has ordered a two-month detention for billionaire Igor Kolomoisky, under suspicion of fraud and money laundering, Ukrainian media reported late on Saturday.

The arrest of the tycoon -- one of Ukraine's richest men and once an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky -- comes as Kyiv says it is still determined to crack down on corruption during the Russian invasion.

"The court chose a preventive measure for Igor Kolomoisky in the form of detention for two months with an alternative in the form of a bail of more than 509 million Ukrainian hryvnias," Radio Svoboda reported.

Ukraine's SBU security service said Kolomoisky was under suspicion of fraud and illegally obtaining property.

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Kolomoisky, 60, appeared at Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky district court late on Saturday, wearing a yellow t-shirt and a blue jumper -- the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Kolomoisky backed Zelensky's candidacy during the 2019 presidential election.

Before becoming president, Zelensky rose to fame as a comedian, acting on a television channel owned by Kolomoisky.

Since Russia invaded in February last year, Zelensky has repeatedly vowed to fight corruption in Ukraine -- a key requirement by Kyiv's western allies.

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