The Monobank scandal has taken a new turn following the expert assessment
This is reported by OBOZ.UA.
According to lawyer Denis Shkarovsky, a specialist state agency was brought in to analyse the photos and video footage.
According to the findings of the examination, the flag depicted matches the visual characteristics of the Russian Federation’s symbols. The experts also noted that it lacks elements characteristic of the Slovenian flag, in particular the coat of arms.
Upon receiving the results, Universal Bank forwarded the materials to the Security Service of Ukraine and continued its cooperation with the National Bank of Ukraine. The bank emphasised that it had acted in accordance with the law.
The situation has gained political attention. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine summoned NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy to provide explanations, and his address is expected at the parliamentary session on 26 March.
The video verification incident has escalated into a wider debate regarding banking identification procedures and sensitivity to symbols in wartime conditions.
The conflict gained attention after Monobank co-founder Oleg Gorokhovsky published a photo of a female customer taken during the video identification procedure. He claimed that the bank had refused to serve her due to suspicions of pro-Russian sympathies.
In response, the woman denied the allegations. According to her, the image showed a Slovenian flag, not a Russian one, which may have caused the misunderstanding.
As a reminder, on 11 March, Monobank co-founder Oleg Gorokhovsky officially apologised for the incident that arose following the publication of a screenshot from the video verification of a bank customer. He acknowledged that his reaction had been overly emotional and assured that banking confidentiality remains inviolable.
