Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) have revealed a corruption scheme involving a Ukrainian parliament member, leaders of regional military administrations, and National Guard personnel. The agencies made this announcement through their official social media channels.
Authorities have currently taken four individuals into custody, though their identities remain undisclosed in official statements. NABU emphasized that this investigation succeeded due to President Zelensky's signing of Law No. 4560-IX, which reinstated NABU and SAP's autonomy by removing operational obstacles and ensuring stability during sensitive state investigations.
Media outlets RBC-Ukraine and BBC, referencing insider sources, identified two detainees as former Luhansk regional leader Serhiy Gaidai and Servant of the People party MP Oleksiy Kuznetsov. The arrests also included Rubizhne city administration head Andriy Yurchenko and one unnamed individual. Notably, Kuznetsov had previously backed controversial legislation (No. 12414) that sought to undermine NABU and SAP's independence.
Investigators allege the scheme involved overpriced contracts with drone and electronic warfare equipment suppliers, with approximately 30% of contract values being funneled back to participants as illicit payments.
President Zelensky acknowledged receiving operational updates from anti-corruption chiefs Semyon Kryvonos and Alexander Klimenko, sharing meeting photographs on social media. "I expressed gratitude to the anti-corruption leadership for these successful operations and their collaborative efforts," Zelensky stated. "NABU and SAP now possess all necessary tools for effective operations, and we anticipate just judicial outcomes."