Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Ukraine: Corruption Scheme Uncovered in Drone Procurement
Ukrainian officials were caught taking bribes by inflating prices when buying drones and other military equipment.
The money was meant for the army, but some people were making extra money through this scheme.
Anti-corruption agencies found out and arrested some people involved, including a lawmaker and city officials.
President Zelenskyy said this was wrong and thanked the agencies for their work.
This investigation happened after the government agreed to let the anti-corruption agencies work independently.
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies uncovered a scheme involving inflated military procurement contracts for drones.
The scheme involved bribes and contracts with supplier companies at deliberately inflated prices.
Offenders received kickbacks of up to 30% of the contracts' value.
A Ukrainian lawmaker, local officials, and National Guard servicemen were implicated and four people have been arrested.
President Zelenskyy called the graft scheme "absolutely immoral" and praised the agencies' work.
- Who
- National Anti-Corruption Bureau, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, Ukrainian lawmaker, local officials, National Guard servicemen, and President Zelenskyy.
- What
- A graft scheme involving inflated military procurement contracts for drones and other military equipment.
- When
- Recent events, after parliament voted to restore independence of anti-corruption agencies.
- Where
- Ukraine
- Why
- To expose and stop corruption in military procurement and to ensure Ukraine's progress towards EU membership.
Government's Response
Public's Reaction
Actions and Consequences
Government's Response
Swift investigation and arrests.
Public's Reaction
Questions on the scale and impact on war effort.
- Key Issue
- Graft scheme in military procurement.
- Agencies Involved
- NABU and SAPO.
- Equipment Affected
- Drones and other military equipment.
- Participants
- Lawmaker, local officials, National Guard.
- Contracts Inflation
- Deliberately inflated prices.
- Kickbacks
- Up to 30% of contract value.
- Zelenskyy's Stance
- Called the scheme "absolutely immoral"
Sources
Ukraine says it uncovers major drone procurement corruption scheme
Ukraine says it uncovers major drone procurement corruption scheme
Ukraine Uncovers Major Drone Procurement Corruption Scheme
Ukraine uncovers massive ‘corruption scheme’ in defence sector, makes arrests
Volodymyr Zelenskyy: flirting with authoritarianism?
