The Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered individuals involved in blackmailing a foreign company supplying radio-electronic warfare (REW) equipment, attempting to disrupt crucial defense deliveries to Ukraine
During the conducted operation, law enforcement officers detained two suspects in Kyiv, whose activities could have posed a serious threat to the country's national security. According to the SBU press service, the foreign enterprise has already produced and transferred five modern active REW complexes to Ukraine, which were provided free of charge, as they were funded by Ukraine’s international partners. These systems held significant strategic importance for Ukraine’s defense, particularly in the context of modern military conflicts. The country was planning to use these systems in combat conditions, and increasing their quantity could substantially enhance Ukraine’s defensive capacity and provide additional opportunities for effective resistance against the aggressor. However, according to investigative data, after the transfer of the REW systems to Ukraine, the perpetrators began deliberately engaging Ukrainian partners’ lawyers and personnel specialists, threatening to limit or completely cease further supplies if they were not paid an unlawful benefit. Operational information indicates that the malicious actors demanded an illegal sum of 200,000 US dollars, promising to influence their contacts among high-ranking officials and supposedly ensure a positive “resolution” regarding the further fate of the Ukrainian government’s systems. They claimed that paying this amount would allow them to influence favorable reviews of the technical characteristics and capabilities of the REW equipment, which was an attempt to hinder their use in combat conditions and create obstacles for future purchases or operations. The security officers acted swiftly and managed to uncover this scheme in advance. Investigation and criminal experts participated in the detention of the two suspects, stopping them after they received the final part of the bribe—in cash, delivered in Kyiv. As a result, law enforcement officials documented all criminal actions, including the details of the deal, enabling them to quickly and accurately hold the perpetrators accountable. According to investigative data, based on the collected evidence, the suspects have been formally charged with committing criminal offenses under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Specifically, they are accused of obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military formations (Part 1 of Article 114-1), as well as accepting unlawful benefits and extortion—violations covered under articles related to corruption crimes (Parts 2 and 3 of Article 369-2). The suspects face imprisonment for up to eight years with confiscation of property. As part of comprehensive investigative measures, conducted in accordance with all procedural norms and under the leadership of the Specialized Defense Prosecutor’s Office, actions were taken to neutralize attempts at hindering the specialized delivery of weapons to the state. This operation further confirmed the effectiveness of Ukrainian counterintelligence and its ability to counter threats from corruption and other criminal groups that could harm national interests and security. The actions of the detainees underscore the importance of strengthening the fight against corruption and military-related crimes, as well as serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and the refusal to use military equipment and resources for personal gain. Ukraine continues to enhance its defense capabilities and protect strategic interests, actively countering any forms of abuse and sabotage attempts.