Two Ukrainian soldiers detained for demanding kickback on military procurement contract
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) detained two Ukrainian service members running a kickback scheme, allegedly demanding a UAH 4.48 million (more than $100,000) bribe from a defense contractor to approve the delivery of electronic warfare equipment to the military, the organizations announced on August 27.
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Prosecutor's Office detained two Ukrainian soldiers for allegedly demanding a kickback of UAH 4.48 million ($100,000+) on a military procurement contract, according to a statement on August 27. One of the suspects is an officer in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The case involves an October 2025 contract worth UAH 22.4 million ($500,000) for electronic warfare equipment.
The officer demanded a 10% kickback to approve the contract and bypass bureaucracy. When the supplier refused to pay, accomplices deliberately obstructed the delivery process. The officer then increased his bribe demand to UAH 4.48 million ($100,000). One accomplice was caught accepting a $20,000 cash payment. The suspects were charged with accepting a large bribe and aiding in the crime.
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