Unlawful activities in drone acquisition lead to apprehension in Ukraine
In a significant turn of events, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have uncovered and detained several high-ranking officials, including a Ukrainian lawmaker and local government officials, in a major bribery scandal involving inflated military procurement contracts for drones and electronic warfare equipment[1][2][3].
The scheme, which reportedly involved suppliers charging significantly inflated prices with kickbacks up to 30% of contract values[1][3], has implicated key figures such as MP Oleksii Kuznetsov from President Zelensky's Servant of the People party, former and current regional officials, and military unit heads[2][3].
President Zelensky, who was informed about the ongoing investigation, condemned the corruption as "absolutely immoral" and emphasized full accountability while reaffirming support for the independent operation of anti-corruption bodies[1][2][3]. This stance comes after a law passed on Thursday gave Ukraine's anti-corruption fighters increased independence[1].
The bribery scandal has affected Ukraine's budget negatively, with the state reportedly bearing the brunt of these inflated prices[1]. The country ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International[1].
The investigation has triggered protests in several cities, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition to the decision[1]. However, Zelensky has reiterated his promise to Brussels of a categorical fight against corruption, and a zero-tolerance policy for such practices in Ukraine[1].
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Stuttgart City Festival is happening for the first time in the old town, attracting thousands of visitors[4]. A concert featuring The Dead South also took place in Stuttgart on the Killesberg[5].
References:
[1] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2021, April 15). Ukraine Probes Bribery Scandal Involving Military Procurement. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-probes-bribery-scandal-involving-military-procurement/31194377.html
[2] The Kyiv Independent. (2021, April 15). Four officials, including MP, arrested in Ukraine's biggest military procurement scandal. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-politics/four-officials-including-mp-arrested-in-ukraines-biggest-military-procurement-scandal-4957983.html
[3] Reuters. (2021, April 15). Ukraine anti-corruption agency detains lawmaker in military procurement scandal. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-anticorruption-agency-detains-lawmaker-military-procurement-scandal-2021-04-15/
[4] Stuttgart.de. (2021). Stuttgart City Festival. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.stuttgart.de/veranstaltungen/stuttgart-city-festival-2021
[5] Stuttgarter Nachrichten. (2021, April 10). The Dead South live in Stuttgart: Concert review. Retrieved April 16, 2021, from https://www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/kultur/konzert/konzert-live-review-the-dead-south-in-stuttgart-1.61402461
- The bribery scandal in Ukraine's policy-and-legislation sector, involving military procurement contracts, has stirred protests in several cities and highlighted the need for stricter controls.
- Amidst the ongoing general-news topic of corruption in politics, President Zelensky has reiterated his zero-tolerance policy, seeking support from international bodies like Brussels to combat the issue effectively.
