Massive investigative actions are currently underway in Slovakia as part of an investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, related to potential corruption abuses in the use of funds allocated for military aid to Ukraine
According to recent reports, eight individuals have been detained in connection with this case, including current and former employees of the country’s Ministry of Defense. This is a significant step in the fight against corruption, which could impact not only internal affairs but also Slovakia’s international commitments to support Ukraine during these challenging times. According to information obtained from sources within the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, investigative measures were carried out on June 18, during which numerous evidence items were collected indicating possible involvement of individuals in abuse related to the financing of military aid to Ukraine. Between February 2022 and March 2023, claims for reimbursement of expenses for ammunition supplies supplied to Kyiv were filed. The total losses are estimated to reach 7.4 million euros, representing a substantial financial blow to the reputation of the country’s public sector. The suspicions pertain to specific procurement procedures that, according to investigators, may have been falsified to conceal the actual purposes and circumstances. It has been revealed that senior officials within the ministry allegedly issued unfounded orders for the procurement of ammunition from private companies, raising suspicions of inflated prices and violations of budget rules. Such actions could indicate a coordinated scheme of corrupt activities, harming the interests of both the state and Ukraine, which received this aid. It is worth noting that the investigation is being conducted in close cooperation with the Slovak Organised Crime Department and the police. However, all suspects remain formally innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It is important to emphasize that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, as an independent body, is responsible for investigating cases involving violations of the EU’s financial interests, including those related to military aid to Ukraine. Naturally, this case has sparked significant public resonance, especially given previous corruption scandals in the Slovak Ministry of Defense. Last year, Slovak law enforcement authorities initiated proceedings against former Defense Minister Jaro Nad’ and other high-ranking officials concerning the transfer of MiG-29 fighters and the "KUB" air defense system to Ukraine, adding context to the current active investigation into abuses. This development underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes and the provision of military aid. At the same time, implementing corresponding investigative procedures demonstrates that combating corruption in the defense sector remains a priority for both the European Union and national law enforcement agencies. Although all those detained are currently considered innocent until proven guilty, this case could serve as a warning to other officials and businesspeople to operate within the law and uphold a high level of responsibility toward society and international partners.