Ukrainian Journalist Targeted in Acid Attack Plot by Criminal Syndicate
Leaked recordings reveal criminal groups discussing violence against investigative journalist Denys Bihus.
1Leaked Recordings Expose Threats
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine released tapes on November 4 featuring suspects planning a physical assault against journalist Denys Bihus. The suspects discussed using acid to disfigure the founder of Bihus.Info, aiming to intimidate him following his outlet's investigations into illegal businesses and high-level corruption within the country.
2Criminal Links to Law Enforcement
The investigation reveals a disturbing collaboration between criminal groups and senior officials from the Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police. Suspects, identified as Andrii Osipov and Yehor Burkin, allegedly bribed law enforcement to protect illegal operations, including scam call centers and the transnational drug ring known as Khimprom.
3Retaliation for Investigative Reporting
The threats stem from a March report by Bihus.Info exposing U420, a retail chain selling synthetic cannabinoids. Journalists confirmed the presence of illegal substances in products purchased from these shops. This exposure directly challenged the operations of the Khimprom syndicate, prompting the criminals to plot violent retaliation against the reporting team.
4Systemic Corruption and Impunity
Journalist Svitlana Stetsenko highlighted the alarming contrast between the criminal syndicate and law enforcement officials. The recordings suggest that these groups operate with a sense of immunity, bargaining with high-ranking authorities. This environment makes investigative journalism a high-risk endeavor, as reporters face powerful entities that control significant state resources.
5Historical Context of Violence
Ukraine has a long history of violence against journalists and activists. In 2018, activist Kateryna Handziuk was fatally attacked with sulfuric acid, a case that recently led to a European Court of Human Rights ruling against Ukraine. The 2000 murder of Georgiy Gongadze remains a symbol of state-involved violence against the press.
6Press Freedom Under Siege
Oksana Romaniuk of the Institute of Mass Information stated that discussing an acid attack is an assault on press freedom itself. The watchdog documented 69 freedom-of-speech violations in the first eight months of 2026. These incidents include cyberattacks, death threats, and judicial pressure, creating a hostile climate for independent media outlets.
7Ongoing Legal Investigations
On November 5, anti-corruption agencies charged five members of the criminal group involved in drug trafficking and currency counterfeiting. This case is part of the broader Operation Carthage, which previously led to the dismissal of former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko. Despite these arrests, journalists remain skeptical about achieving true justice.
8Implications for Future Reporting
The revelation that law enforcement may be complicit in threats against journalists undermines public trust in state institutions. As Bihus noted, the primary danger is not just the criminals, but the officials protecting them. Ensuring the safety of the press requires dismantling these deep-seated networks of corruption within the government.