Russian-Linked Organized Crime Infiltrates Ukraine's Security Services
A sweeping anti-corruption probe reveals deep-seated criminal influence within Ukraine's top law enforcement agencies.
1Operation Carthage Unveils Corruption
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, launched Operation Carthage to dismantle a sprawling criminal network. The investigation exposed how organized crime figures infiltrated the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General's Office. This scandal has led to the detention of senior officials, including Major General Serhii Duka, marking a significant institutional crisis.
2Criminals and Law Enforcement Alliance
Two figures, Andrii Osipov and Yehor Burkin, allegedly orchestrated a criminal empire while securing protection from high-ranking officials. By paying substantial bribes, they ensured their illicit businesses operated with impunity. The network reportedly engaged in drug trafficking, counterfeit currency production, and violent intimidation, mirroring patterns of state-criminal entanglement often observed in Russia.
3The Khimprom Drug Syndicate
Yehor Burkin, a Russian-born individual, is identified as the founder of the transnational drug ring Khimprom. Operating from 2022 to 2026, the group utilized intermediaries like Osipov to maintain law enforcement cover. Despite sanctions imposed by President Zelensky in 2023, the group continued expanding its operations, allegedly maintaining contact with the Russian FSB.
4Call Center Fraud Profits
The criminal group controlled at least 52 fraudulent call centers, generating approximately $7,000 per office monthly. These operations defrauded victims globally, with total profits potentially reaching $1 billion monthly across Ukraine. Investigators tracked over $3.7 million in cryptocurrency payments transferred to a single wallet, allegedly shared among corrupt SBU and police officials.
5Synthetic Drug Market Tactics
The syndicate operated a retail chain called U420, selling synthetic cannabinoids. To evade legal bans, they frequently altered the chemical structures of these substances to stay outside controlled drug lists. They even planned to bribe the Interior and Health Ministers to prevent their products from being officially banned, though this specific effort failed.
6Surveillance and Intimidation
The group used state surveillance systems, including the municipal Safe City camera network, to track targets. They employed violence to silence critics, including threats against investigative journalist Denys Bihus. NABU released footage showing subordinates beating victims with hammers, demonstrating the group's reliance on physical force to maintain control over their illegal business interests.
7The Role of Serhii Duka
Major General Serhii Duka, former deputy head of the SBU’s Department for the Protection of National Statehood, faces charges of aiding the network. Investigators allege Duka advised leaders on evading detection and facilitated contacts with other agencies. During a search of his residence, Duka reportedly destroyed evidence by smashing phones and data devices with an axe.
8Institutional Abuse of Power
The Department for the Protection of National Statehood has long been criticized for its broad, unchecked powers. Originally tasked with protecting sovereignty, it became a hub for corruption and illegal surveillance, including the targeting of journalists. Experts argue the unit is prone to colluding with criminal circles while maintaining a facade of national security duty.
9Stalled Reform Efforts
Despite promises from President Zelensky, the SBU remains one of Ukraine's least-reformed institutions. A 2021 reform bill stalled as the agency expanded to 40,000 personnel during the full-scale war. Critics warn that dismissing staff now could create security risks, yet the lack of progress remains a significant hurdle for Ukraine's European Union accession requirements.
10International Pressure and Oversight
The investigation gained momentum following pressure from international partners to address the proliferation of scam call centers. President Zelensky has emphasized the need for international support, including U.S. assistance, to conduct a thorough probe. The European Commission recently noted that no major steps have been taken to effectively reform the SBU's problematic structure.
11Internal SBU Dynamics
Former SBU officers describe the agency as divided into two camps: those serving the state and those exploiting positions for personal gain. The current scandal highlights how easily criminal elements can exploit these internal divisions. While some officials were dismissed, the systemic nature of the corruption suggests that deep institutional changes are required.
12Future Security Implications
The infiltration of the SBU by Russian-linked actors poses a severe threat to national security, even beyond the ongoing war. Experts suggest that disbanding or completely overhauling the Department for the Protection of National Statehood is essential. Without fundamental reform, the agency remains vulnerable to political interference and continued exploitation by organized crime.