Several Ukrainian officials have been detained over a major defense-sector corruption scandal, authorities announced on Saturday. The arrests occurred shortly after parliament restored the independence of Ukraine’s two primary anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO.
In a joint statement, the agencies confirmed that four suspects had been apprehended for participating in a scheme involving overpriced contracts for military drones and signal-jamming systems. Investigators said those involved received kickbacks amounting to as much as 30% of the contract values.
The individuals arrested include a current lawmaker, two regional officials, and members of the National Guard, whose names were not disclosed. The Interior Ministry stated that the implicated National Guard personnel have been suspended while the investigation continues.
The case comes weeks after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced criticism for attempting to bring the anti-corruption bodies under his prosecutor general’s control, citing inefficiency and potential Russian influence. His move provoked Ukraine’s first anti-government demonstrations since the Russian invasion in 2022, prompting lawmakers to reinstate the agencies’ independence.
The arrests underscore Ukraine’s ongoing fight against corruption as it continues to rely on international military and financial support in its war with Russia.
