Zelensky vows further purges at Ukraine's SBU after corruption scandal

In brief

• Zelensky promised further personnel changes at the SBU after a corruption scandal.
• Investigators say senior SBU and police officers protected call centres and a criminal network linked to Chimprom.
• Zelensky approved a draft law to restore asset declarations for all SBU staff.

Personnel changes and a new asset-declaration bill

Zelensky said the scandal had already led to dismissals inside the SBU and that more personnel decisions would follow (У СБУ будуть нові кадрові рішення: Зеленський розповів про розслідування та «Хімпром» – TSN) (Zelenskyj po škandále prisľúbil ďalšie čistky v tajnej službe SBU – HNonline.sk). He called for the investigation to establish the full truth and to punish everyone who ordered the crimes (Зеленський анонсував кадрові рішення в СБУ, декларування працівників і звернення до країн-партнерів – Українська правда). He described the reports as shameful and unacceptable conduct, and posted the statement on Telegram.

Allegations of protection for a criminal network

The case centres on claims that senior SBU and police officers protected fraudulent call centres and other businesses run by a criminal organisation linked to a drug network known as Chimprom (Prezident Zelenskyj pokračuje v čistkách v SBU pre rozsiahly korupčný škandál v bezpečnostných zložkách – Aktuality.sk). The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office said this week that such protection lasted several years, and several senior security and police figures have been charged. Lithuanian broadcaster LRT reported that prosecutors had requested the arrest of an SBU general (Korupcija Ukrainos teisėsaugos ir saugumo struktūrose: paprašytas suimti SBU generolas – LRT).

Foreign links

Zelensky said the Chimprom network needed support from international partners and that the issue had been raised with the United States at an appropriate level. He said information indicated the group had begun operations in Poland and was trying to move synthetic drugs into Germany, and that Ukraine would pass this information to its partners.

Asset declarations

Zelensky said he had approved a draft law that would reinstate the obligation for all SBU personnel to file asset declarations, so that their lifestyle and assets could be checked (Зеленский впервые прокомментировал новый скандал из-за дела Карфаген: для работников СБУ вернут декларации – NV). He asked lawmakers to adopt the bill without delay.

Public reaction

The scandal has caused public anger and reached into the top ranks of the security apparatus. Further dismissals and progress in the criminal cases are expected to be the next key developments.