Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have launched an expanded investigation into senior security and law enforcement officials suspected of receiving bribes to protect fraudulent call centres and other illegal businesses.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on Wednesday that officials from the country’s Security Service, National Police and Prosecutor General’s Office were allegedly involved in a criminal network that shielded fraud operations targeting Ukrainians and foreign victims.
According to investigators, members of the alleged organisation systematically paid bribes to senior law enforcement personnel in exchange for protection from prosecution and uninterrupted operations.
The investigation, known as Operation Carthage, has triggered searches involving officials of Ukraine’s Security Service, known as the SBU.
NABU said one senior security official allegedly threatened investigators with firearms and prevented them from accessing premises during a court-authorised search.
The agency described the reported obstruction as interference with its lawful investigative activities.
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Ukraine’s Security Service subsequently confirmed that anti-corruption investigators were conducting searches involving its employees and said it was cooperating with the investigation.
The National Police also announced that officers implicated in the probe had been suspended, while cautioning against premature conclusions.
The Prosecutor General’s Office expressed readiness to cooperate with investigators but said it was unaware of illegal activities involving the employees identified by NABU.
The investigation represents another significant challenge for Ukraine’s institutions as the country continues to pursue European Union membership and depends heavily on international financial assistance to sustain its defence against Russia.
SEPARATE CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION COMPLETED
In a related development, NABU announced the completion of its pre-trial investigation into a major corruption and money-laundering scheme involving Ukraine’s energy sector.
Investigators said members of an alleged criminal organisation collected kickbacks from contractors working with state-owned energy enterprises, including Energoatom, the country’s nuclear power operator.
The payments reportedly amounted to between 10 and 15 per cent of contract values.
NABU estimated that more than $111 million and €12 million were transferred through a money-laundering operation between 2020 and 2025.
The investigation involved several senior officials, including a former deputy prime minister and former energy minister, while allegations also contributed to the departure of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former chief of staff. Those implicated have denied wrongdoing.
Authorities said efforts to trace, recover and seize assets linked to the alleged schemes would continue.
CORRUPTION PRESSURE ON KYIV
The investigations highlight persistent concerns over corruption within Ukraine’s public institutions, particularly as the country seeks closer integration with European institutions.
Anti-corruption reforms remain central to Kyiv’s European Union membership ambitions, with international partners repeatedly emphasising transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The latest allegations also underscore tensions between Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies and security institutions, raising questions about the independence and effectiveness of investigations involving powerful officials.
NABU and its prosecutorial partner, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, have increasingly pursued high-level cases involving public officials, state enterprises and politically influential figures.
The investigations remain ongoing, and the allegations against individuals involved have not been established in court.
