**Corruption Probe Rocks Ukraine’s National Guard**
A major corruption scandal has hit the Ukrainian National Guard, with six senior officials suspended from their posts amid an ongoing investigation into suspected embezzlement, money laundering, and bribery.
According to investigative outlet ZN.UA, law enforcement sources have confirmed that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is probing allegations of corruption involving high-ranking officials in the logistics division of the National Guard. The Interior Ministry has announced an internal investigation, with full cooperation being provided by those involved.
**Commander Suspected of Receiving Huge Bribe**
At the center of the scandal is Oleksandr Pivnenko, the commander of the National Guard, who is suspected of receiving a massive bribe of up to Hr 190 million ($4.6 million). The allegations are that this was paid in exchange for facilitating contract awards and favoring specific entrepreneurs in public procurement tenders.
**Embezzlement and Money Laundering Suspected**
The director and deputy director of the logistics department are also under suspicion, accused of embezzling Hr 199 million ($4.8 million) from National Guard funds. The investigators claim that these officials purchased FV-series tracked armored personnel carriers at inflated prices.
**History of Corruption in Ukraine’s Military**
This is not the first time corruption has rocked Ukraine’s military. In April, anti-corruption bodies announced charges in a case involving overpriced food purchases by the Defense Ministry between 2022 and 2023. The war with Russia has created opportunities for corrupt officials to exploit, and it seems that this scandal is just another example of how deep-seated corruption can be.
**What’s Next?**
The investigation into these allegations will likely continue, and we can expect more details to emerge in the coming days. It remains to be seen whether any of those involved will face consequences for their alleged actions.
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