NABU charges SBU official in business extortion and bribery scheme
NABU issued a notice of suspicion to an SBU official (Photo: Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau)
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) has issued a notice of suspicion to a Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) official for inciting a business owner to bribe law enforcement officers to secure the return of seized funds and close a criminal case, the agency reported on June 16.
According to anti-corruption authorities, more than UAH 6 million ($133k+) in cash was seized in a May 2025 search of a company in Zaporizhzhya.
The company's director sought an explanation for the raid through an acquaintance, who contacted an SBU officer for information. Instead of providing an explanation, the officer offered to “solve the problem” in exchange for a bribe.
According to the NABU, initial discussions focused on returning half of the seized funds ($66k).
The official, in turn, promised to secure the return of all funds and the complete closure of the case in exchange for a $150k bribe to negotiate with law enforcement.
SBU official was served a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 15, Part 4 of Article 27, and Part 3 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (bribery). The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
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