Chobitok said there is no surveillance footage of the visits
because the bureau’s cameras only store data for 14 days. However, he noted
that one of the central figures in the NABU investigation, Ihor Myroniuk —
known by the alias “Rocket” — spent an hour and a half speaking with an
investigator in the lobby of the bureau’s headquarters.
“There is confirmed evidence of the individuals’ presence
inside the SBI’s central administrative building. We have identified the
purpose and context of their visits, the grounds for the meetings, and the
subjects discussed. We have also established who they spoke with and the nature
of those conversations,” Chobitok said.
The SBI stated it has identified the bureau employee who had
direct contact with the suspects, as well as the employee’s supervisor. Both
individuals turned over a mobile phone to investigators, which contained
messages with one member of the alleged criminal group. The SBI insisted the
correspondence was “strictly professional in nature.”
As of now, no SBI employees have been dismissed or charged,
as “the matter remains under criminal investigation,” Chobitok said.
On Nov. 22, the bureau released initial findings from an
internal inquiry into potential ties between its staff and figures in the Midas
case. At the time, the SBI reported that investigators had found no evidence of
coercion, outside influence, or instructions from third parties that could have
interfered with its operations.
The bureau said more than 30 individuals had been interviewed, 12 photo lineups conducted, and 19 official requests sent. Some individuals named in the scandal had indeed visited the SBI headquarters, though in connection with unrelated cases.
While the SBI did not disclose names in its statement, NABU
recordings and court proceedings have previously linked Myroniuk — under the
alias “Rocket” — to possible contacts within the bureau.
Chobitok added
that the SBI has launched two criminal proceedings against its own staff. These
include allegations of possible bribery and abuse of power. The probe was
prompted by an operation led by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption
Prosecutor’s Office targeting corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector.