Scandal at the Ministry of Defense: former official demanded $1.1 million bribe for developer’s victory
19 February 23:56
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have announced new charges against a former official of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. According to the investigation, the former official demanded $1.1 million in illegal benefits for helping a developer win a tender to build housing for military personnel in Kyiv. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to NABU.
This is the second suspicion brought against him by anti-corruption authorities in a case of corruption in the defense sector.
What is known about the new allegations against the former Defense Ministry official
According to information from NABU and SAP, the suspect held the position of acting head of one of the Central Territorial Administrations of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The investigation established that in June 2024, he offered a Kyiv developer “help” in winning a tender for the construction of a residential complex for military personnel and their families.
For his services, the official demanded:
- initially $1.1 million;
- later agreed to reduce the amount to $690,000;
- a first tranche of $100,000 to start implementing the scheme.
How the bribery scheme worked
According to the investigation, the former official promised to use his official powers to ensure the victory of a specific company in a tender for the construction of housing for military personnel.
The project was located in one of the districts of Kyiv and was intended to provide housing for military personnel and their families.
Law enforcement officials note that the official’s actions were aimed at obtaining unlawful benefits in exchange for influencing the tender procedures.
This is the second suspicion of corruption
The NABU reported that this is the second time this official has been exposed.
Earlier, in August 2025, he had already been notified of suspicion in a similar case. At that time, he demanded $1.3 million from another developer.
According to the investigation:
- he and his accomplices received $100,000;
- after that, law enforcement officers documented the crime and exposed the participants in the scheme.
What punishment does the suspect face?
The actions of the former official are classified under:
Part 4 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — receiving unlawful benefits on an especially large scale.
The article provides for:
- up to 12 years of imprisonment;
- confiscation of property;
- prohibition from holding public office.
Corruption in the construction of housing for the military: what is known
The construction of housing for military personnel is one of the key areas of social security for the military in wartime.
Exposing corruption schemes in this area is particularly important, as such actions directly affect the provision of housing for Ukraine’s defenders.
NABU and SAP continue to investigate to establish all the circumstances of the case and possible accomplices.
