A former high-ranking official of the Logistics Support Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been placed under investigation on suspicion of illegal enrichment, which, according to investigators, exceeds 12 million hryvnias
Oleksandr Zayarniy, a former head of the Central Fuel and Lubricants Support Department of the Logistics Command of the Ukrainian Army, has been officially charged with committing corruption crimes that could significantly undermine the reputation of military institutions amid the country's security challenges. According to authoritative sources — the State Bureau of Investigation, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, the Office of the General Prosecutor, and anonymous law enforcement contacts — the case was opened without the knowledge or consent of the suspect himself. At the same time, media reports have indicated that the individual in question is precisely Colonel Zayarniy, though the official press release has not yet publicly named him. According to the investigation, during 2023–2024, the suspect acquired 14 land plots in Kyiv region, along with real estate, vehicles, and valuable securities. Specifically, this includes the purchase of an apartment, vehicles such as Toyota Tundra, Škoda Octavia, and Hyundai Tucson, as well as bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. It is important to note that these assets were registered both in Zayarniy’s name and in the names of his family members, indicating possible use of auxiliary structures to launder illicit proceeds. Investigators estimate that the total value of all acquired assets exceeds 12.4 million hryvnias — significantly more than the declared income of the military officer and his family members. This suggests probable illicit enrichment, as legitimate income sources cannot account for such substantial wealth. Furthermore, law enforcement established that Zayarniy stored weapons and ammunition without proper permits — another indication of law violation. This complicates the case for the former official since the combination of illegal enrichment and firearm possession may lead to severe penalties. According to the Ukrainian Criminal Code, under Article 368-5 regarding illegal enrichment, the individual faces up to 10 years of imprisonment. Similarly, under Article 263 for unlawful possession, carrying, or use of weapons without the required permits, responsibility includes detention. Investigators are currently examining the possibility of applying preventive measures against the suspect, including potential detention. This high-profile case has garnered widespread public and law enforcement interest. It raises questions about how senior officials in Ukraine’s military and government structures may be abusing their positions to gain unjust financial advantages. The relevance of this investigation lies not only in punishing the guilty but also in restoring trust in the anti-corruption system within the defense sector and the country as a whole. The decision on choosing a preventive measure for the former officer is currently under review. At the same time, investigators are committed to establishing all justified facts and holding accountable those responsible, while informing the public and reinforcing the fight against corruption in the military sphere.