Ukraine Uncovers Major Corruption Scheme in Drone Procurement
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have revealed a significant corruption scheme involving drone procurement, which implicated a current member of parliament, regional officials, the head of a National Guard unit, and a director of a drone supply company. None of the individuals have been publicly identified, reports 24brussels.
The scheme involved the purchase of drones at knowingly inflated prices, with the corrupt participants illegally pocketing 30 percent of the contract amounts. The authorities indicated that a similar method was utilized in the procurement of FPV drones.
This announcement follows a controversial move by Ukrainian leadership to place the oversight of these anti-corruption agencies under the politically appointed prosecutor general. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed legislation on Thursday that reinstated the independence of NABU and SAPO.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for “zero tolerance for corruption” and clear cooperation to combat it. He stated via Telegram on Saturday, “It is important that anti-corruption institutions work independently, and the law adopted on Thursday guarantees them all the opportunities for a real fight against corruption.”
He demanded full accountability for those involved in the corruption scandal, asserting, “We are counting on fair verdicts.” He added that only combat officers would oversee leadership roles in logistics units within the National Guard.
The president’s restoration of independence for NABU and SAPO came in response to public protests and a warning from the European Commission that Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU could be jeopardized. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as investigations continue.
