Ukrainian manufacturer of thermal imagers Archer acquitted: two years of inspections and no evidence
15 September 2025 11:25
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has closed a high-profile case against Archer, a company that specializes in the production of thermal imaging sights, monoculars and accessories. The investigation was initiated on suspicion of embezzlement of public funds worth UAH 1.5 billion under contracts with the Ministry of Defense. This is stated in a statement by the NABU, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Reasons for closing the case
NABU and SAPO investigators could not find sufficient evidence of a crime in the actions of the Defense Ministry officials and Archer. The investigation was based on financial monitoring materials from one of the EU countries. After a full analysis of the circumstances of the procurement, a legal decision was made to close the proceedings.
The NABU emphasized:
“Initial assessments do not always lead to the establishment of a crime or prosecution. Such cases serve as a basis for improving internal procedures.”
Case history
The NABU conducted searches at Archer, which is the only manufacturer of cooled thermal imaging sights in Ukraine, in October 2023. NABU detectives searched the company’s offices and employees, seized thermal imagers and copied documentation. At the time, the head of the company, Oleksandr Yaremenko, said that Archer’s activities were temporarily hampered by the blocking of equipment and funds.
At the time, the NABU press service stated that one of the companies had signed a number of contracts to supply the Defense Forces with thermal imaging devices. The total amount of the contracts is almost UAH 1.5 billion, of which the company received an advance payment (from 80 to 100%). But the company delayed the delivery. Archer, on the other hand, said there was no delay.
According to Yaremenko, 5,700 devices under seven contracts were shipped without complaints from the customer, and due to the blocking of funds, the company was slightly late with one contract, for which they paid a fine of UAH 27 million to the Ministry of Defense.
In March 2024, the NABU inspected Archer’s relocated plant in the Czech Republic, where the Czech police conducted their own investigation and closed the case against the company’s branch.
Consequences and comments
Despite the closure of the case, the searches and blocking of funds created significant difficulties for the manufacturer. Yaremenko emphasized that the company continues to work under contracts with other law enforcement agencies, but cannot fulfill some orders for the army.
At the same time, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security and Defense confirmed that all contracts have been fulfilled and that it has no claims against Archer.
The NABU also noted that initial suspicions about delays in delivery or the cost of the devices were not confirmed over time, and the proceedings were closed due to the lack of corpus delicti.
