President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has promised further personnel changes at Ukraine’s domestic security service as a corruption scandal involving senior officials fuels anger over alleged impunity.
Anti-corruption investigators have charged several senior security and law enforcement figures over claims they helped protect a large criminal organisation. The alleged network is accused of operating scam centres, dealing drugs and producing counterfeit currency and cigarettes.
Investigators said senior employees of the SBU security service, the National Police and the Prosecutor General’s office assisted the group. Some allegedly helped organise kidnappings and other acts of violence.
In his evening address, Mr Zelenskiy described the alleged crimes as “frankly shameful, absolutely unacceptable”. He said dismissals had already taken place within the SBU and that further action would follow.
“There have already been dismissals in the Security Service of Ukraine because of this, and there will be other personnel decisions,” he said, adding that he expected a full investigation and results.
A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered the detention pending bail of a former SBU general in connection with the case. Two police officials and another suspect were also ordered to remain in custody this week.
Mr Zelenskiy said he had proposed legislation requiring all SBU employees to publicly declare their assets. Asset declarations are used to monitor corruption in Ukraine, which must tackle graft as it seeks European Union membership and continues to receive financial aid.
The SBU has broad law enforcement and military powers. Its military wing has carried out long-range attacks on Russia and other wartime operations, while other parts of the service have faced allegations of corruption and intimidation.
