Ukraine corruption scandal expands with arrest of former IT official

The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has ordered the arrest of Ivan Timoshenko, the former head of the Information Technology department under former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko. The arrest follows an investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) into a protection racket involving fraudulent call centers operating within the Office of the Prosecutor General (PGO).

According to NABU, the criminal network, allegedly operated by former cybercrime chief Sergey Kropiva on behalf of superiors, has amassed at least $20 million in illicit gains. Timoshenko is accused of playing a critical role by maintaining direct contact with protected scammers, collecting payments, ensuring internal security, and recruiting new members.

The scandal has significantly impacted the administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky, with several associates reportedly fleeing the country to avoid prosecution. Former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko left Ukraine before parliament could initiate impeachment proceedings. Timoshenko has been set bail at $177,000.