UAH 4.5M bribe for EW systems: two servicemen suspected (PHOTOS)

NABU and SAPO have exposed two military personnel — an officer of an Armed Forces of Ukraine military unit and a serviceman from another — for demanding and receiving a bribe from enterprise representatives to ensure the smooth acceptance of electronic warfare (EW) systems.

In October 2025, a deal was struck between a non-profit group and a private firm for EW systems exceeding UAH 22.4 million, as previously confirmed.

One of the officers involved in the equipment acceptance initially asked the manufacturer’s representatives for a 10% kickback (UAH 2.24 million) to guarantee the unhindered acceptance of the EW equipment.

Following their refusal, he involved other military personnel, started creating obstacles to the acceptance process, and doubled the demanded bribe to 20% of the contract value — UAH 4.48 million.

As part of the scheme, an accomplice serviceman received the first installment of the bribe, amounting to USD 20,000. The perpetrators subsequently demanded a second tranche of USD 80,000.

Both individuals were detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.

They have been served with notices of suspicion. Their actions fall under Part 4 Article 368, and Part 5 Article 27, Part 4 Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, respectively.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to establish all circumstances of the crime and identify other potential accomplices.

NABU and SAPO urge manufacturers and suppliers to report any instances of extortion during the execution of defenсe contracts.

Reporting such cases and cooperating with the investigation helps expose corruption schemes in defense procurement.