Overview

• On August 2, NABU and SAPO announced the arrest of four individuals suspected of orchestrating a large-scale corruption network in defense procurement.
• Investigators allege officials, including a sitting member of parliament and district and city military administrators, overpaid for drones and electronic warfare equipment to secure up to 30% in kickbacks.
• Several National Guard servicemembers implicated in the scheme have been suspended pending further inquiries.
• The arrests represent the first major enforcement actions since the Verkhovna Rada on July 31 restored NABU and SAPO’s autonomy with enhanced vetting measures.
• EU officials have warned that continued financial aid and accession talks depend on Ukraine’s progress in judicial and anti-corruption reforms.