Defense Sector Losses: New Data and Internal Investigations
According to the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, Semyon Krivonos, the potential financial losses in Ukraine’s defense sector could amount to approximately 12.5 billion hryvnias.
These figures arise from preliminary investigations carried out by NABU into procurement processes and possible abuses within the defense industry over recent years.
Krivonos stated that within the scope of one of NABU’s divisions, specializing in pre-trial investigations related to defense procurement for the Ministry of Defense, the estimated misappropriation is around 12.5 billion hryvnias.
However, he emphasized that these are approximate figures, and final conclusions are yet to be made.
The investigation is ongoing, and the final amount could change as the work continues.
Meanwhile, insiders report that NABU investigators have already uncovered about 400 million hryvnias in damages, which are now tied to court proceedings.
Despite changes in legislation and efforts to dismantle certain legal provisions affecting NABU, pressing questions remain about transparency and independence of anti-corruption agencies.
The ongoing power struggle among law enforcement agencies and politicians raises concerns about public trust in these institutions.
To explore the internal conflicts within Ukraine’s security agencies, and potential paths toward restoring their independence, read the article by journalist Inna Vedernikova, “Security Services in a Lamp: Is It Possible to Seal the Genie Released by Zelensky?”.