Volodymyr Zelenskyy promises personnel changes in Ukraine Security Service

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced upcoming personnel decisions within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) following a major corruption scandal. The announcement follows investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), which uncovered an alleged criminal network protected by high-ranking officials.

Investigators claim the network, organized by a previously convicted individual, involved officials from the SBU, the National Police, and the Prosecutor General's Office. The group allegedly operated fraud call centers targeting domestic and foreign citizens, engaged in drug trafficking, produced illegal cigarettes, and counterfeited foreign currency. The investigation also includes allegations of involvement in kidnappings and physical assaults.

Zelenskyy described the alleged misconduct as “shameful and absolutely unacceptable.” Several dismissals have already occurred, and a former SBU commander has been ordered into custody. To combat future corruption, Zelenskyy has proposed new legislation that would require all SBU officials to publicly declare their assets.