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In 2026, Ukraine is grappling with numerous corruption scandals involving senior officials and public institutions. High-profile cases such as the "Forrest Gump" operation have unveiled extensive networks of kickbacks and fraud within government circles. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have intensified efforts to uncover schemes that have siphoned off millions from public funds. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, with critics pointing to the persistent influence of private interests and systemic governance issues. Efforts continue as Ukraine seeks to align itself with EU anti-corruption standards and address corruption within its governance structures.

What are the main corruption scandals in Ukraine this year?

This year has seen significant corruption scandals in Ukraine, such as the "Forrest Gump" operation, which exposed high-level fraud involving political figures and procurement irregularities. The anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO have been active in investigating these cases and bringing suspects to justice.

How does corruption impact Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations?

Corruption poses a major barrier to Ukraine’s EU membership aspirations. The European Commission has stressed the importance of combatting corruption and strengthening independent anti-corruption bodies, reflecting the EU’s emphasis on transparent governance as a pre-requisite for membership.

What steps are being taken to combat corruption in Ukraine’s public sector?

Efforts to combat corruption in Ukraine include legislative reforms, enhancing the powers of anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO, and public awareness campaigns. The government is also working on measures to protect whistleblowers and increase transparency in public administration.

How are Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies handling procurement fraud?

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have stepped up investigations into procurement fraud, employing rigorous auditing and surveillance techniques to uncover fraudulent activities, and holding responsible parties accountable through legal proceedings.

What role do private interests play in Ukrainian corruption scandals?

Private interests are deeply entwined in many Ukrainian corruption scandals, often manifesting through backdoor deals and influence over policy decisions. These interests complicate efforts to reform governance and reduce corruption, as they frequently clash with anti-corruption measures.

How is the Ukrainian government responding to corruption in military procurement?

The Ukrainian government, alongside anti-corruption agencies, is taking decisive action against corruption in military procurement. This includes investigating allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement, and implementing stricter controls to ensure transparency and accountability in defence-related spending.

What protections exist for whistleblowers in corruption cases in Ukraine?

The Ukrainian government has instituted legal protections for whistleblowers to encourage reporting of corruption. These protections aim to safeguard individuals from retaliation and provide them with secure channels to disclose unethical activities within public institutions.

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Articles corruption

Mindichgate versus capitulation Mindichgate versus capitulation Allegations of corruption against President Zelenskyy, as portrayed in the media, cannot compel the Commander-in-Chief to accept ruscists’ so-called peace terms. 16 319 40 Previously in trend: Mindichgate Mindich’s new tapes

From eggs at 17 to Fire Point: why high-profile resignations alone do not solve corruption problem From eggs at 17 to Fire Point: why high-profile resignations alone do not solve corruption problem Andriy Yermak’s resignation following searches in the Mindych-gate case has probably brought a tidy profit to champagne sellers. However, in itself it in no way protects us from a new Mindich emerging tomorrow, nor from once again hunting for corrupt money or corrupt officials in some new Fire Point. 6 778 36 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine Scandals with procurement for AFU Mindichgate Yermak’s dismissal

Volodymyr Kudrytskyi: We identify Uzbekistan or Dagestan, but we don’t see "two-million" sent to Moscow Volodymyr Kudrytskyi: We identify Uzbekistan or Dagestan, but we don’t see "two-million" sent to Moscow Maryna Danyliuk-Yarmolaieva and her guests reflect on the fallout from Mindichgate and on what else the tapes in the Midas case may be hiding. 31 441 11

On Karlson’s rooftop: how Mindich built mansions, why Chernyshov was given old dollars, and how advisers to traitors selected ministers On Karlson’s rooftop: how Mindich built mansions, why Chernyshov was given old dollars, and how advisers to traitors selected ministers The three days since the Mindich tapes were made public have profoundly changed our understanding of how things work. The question is no longer whether the tapes exist, but who is really running this country. 17 559 35 Previously in trend: Mindich’s business

Operation "Midas": how Halushchenko’s adviser and Energoatom’s "overseer" embezzled millions from state and who will now catch "Karlson" Mindich Operation "Midas": how Halushchenko’s adviser and Energoatom’s "overseer" embezzled millions from state and who will now catch "Karlson" Mindich On 10 November, officers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) carried out a large-scale operation to uncover corruption in the energy sector. It was underpinned by 15 months of work, 1,000 hours of audio recordings, and 70 searches. 15 198 71 Previously in trend: Mindich’s business Energy sector corruption

Textile war over $200 million, one arrest and long list of MoD corruption risks Textile war over $200 million, one arrest and long list of MoD corruption risks On August 21, 2025, officers of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), with the operational support of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), served notices of suspicion to officials of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and to the director of a supplier company that had delivered substandard ballistic goggles. 3 366 4 Previously in trend: Corruption in MoD

The Times: Energy "corruption" puts Ukrainians in front of deadly cold in winter The Times: Energy "corruption" puts Ukrainians in front of deadly cold in winter Former deputy head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Tymoshenko is an unofficial supervisor of construction projects funded by the Ukrainian government. "A former official who worked closely with the Presidential Office claimed that Tymoshenko demanded a 10 per cent commission from companies for selecting and submitting their projects for approval. The former official claimed that Tymoshenko kept large amounts of "dirty" money and distributed it to unofficial "volunteer advisers" in the Presidential Office. The official also said that Tymoshenko would take $10,000 from companies that wanted the President to visit them during official trips to the regions." 25 369 39

More than two state budgets. How money is being withdrawn from Ukraine More than two state budgets. How money is being withdrawn from Ukraine Over the 30 years of Ukraine’s independence, at least $100 billion has been withdrawn from Ukraine abroad, according to Olena Duma, head of the National Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). At the current exchange rate, this is more than UAH 4 trillion, or more than two state budgets of Ukraine for 2024 in terms of revenue. 171 0

Insurmountable corruption risks of Ministry of Defense. Why new scandals are only matter of time Insurmountable corruption risks of Ministry of Defense. Why new scandals are only matter of time We can punish someone for a crime, or we can prevent that crime from happening. The first is more attractive from the point of view of spectacle, but in fact, after the hundred and third time, it causes only irritation. And the emotional effect is much lower. But the losses remain. 9 662 21

Six questions to authorities in case of Krupa, Servant of People: which chiefs should be fired and checked for links to corrupt family? Six questions to authorities in case of Krupa, Servant of People: which chiefs should be fired and checked for links to corrupt family? This story demonstrates the extent of corruption and bribery in the Ukrainian government during the war. Judging by the circumstances, Krupa did not share the money with anyone, which raises the question of how state leaders and law enforcement officials allowed multimillionaire officials to enrich themselves openly for many years. 29 725 86

Where 4.7 million in trunk of accountant Hlyniana came from Where 4.7 million in trunk of accountant Hlyniana came from How do we usually imagine the fight against corruption? NABU, SBI, SSU detained some official for bribery; the minister who appointed the official was dismissed; the son of a not very clever supplier was put face down on the floor in his underpants; the photo in his underpants was leaked to friendly media. That’s it. 151 927 30

How government and people’s deputies decided to allow corrupt officials to pay off for their crimes and avoid punishment How government and people’s deputies decided to allow corrupt officials to pay off for their crimes and avoid punishment The government has initiated a scheme to avoid prison for serious criminal offenses. It is proposed to allow corrupt officials to "compensate for the loss" by simply paying a relatively large fine. BusinessCensor analyzed how the innovation, if adopted, will return peace of mind and healthy sleep to people’s deputies, officials, oligarchs - all those involved in criminal proceedings 115 0

Pavlo Yakimchuk, veteran of SOF of AFU: Issue of mobilization is fucked up... There is war in country, and in order to mobilize people, to unite them, state does nothing, on contrary, it puts huge spokes in wheels Pavlo Yakimchuk, veteran of SOF of AFU: Issue of mobilization is fucked up... There is war in country, and in order to mobilize people, to unite them, state does nothing, on contrary, it puts huge spokes in wheels How does a man who wants to serve but is "temporarily unfit" feel? Will there be an offensive in Sumy region and why is Russia really attacking Kharkiv region? Should 18-year-old men be mobilized? Pavlo Yakymchuk, a veteran of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told Anna Miroshnychenko about corruption and President Zelenskyy’s policy, the defense line, and what to do with draft dodgers. The program "Who is with Miroshnychenko?" touched upon hot topics without censorship. 21 475 66 Previously in trend: War

Big Construction, State Property Fund, National Bank, State Special Communications Service and others: who leaked high-profile cases of top corrupt officials in NABU? Big Construction, State Property Fund, National Bank, State Special Communications Service and others: who leaked high-profile cases of top corrupt officials in NABU? BusinessCensor has gathered information about the "leak" of a large-scale NABU investigation into thefts at the "Big Construction". The matter concerns other investigations as well. For a long time, one of the NABU’s senior officials informed the defendants in criminal cases about the details of the investigation, warned them about searches, and saved them from prison. 174 0 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine Corruption in law enforcement agencies

Tens of billions in "shadow": How much tax does state lose from gambling? Tens of billions in "shadow": How much tax does state lose from gambling? In the context of a full-scale war, the government forced the gambling business to start paying taxes. Nevertheless, online casino operators’ profits are growing, including because of the military, and tens of billions of hryvnias still remain in the shadows and do not go into the state budget. 85 0 Previously in trend: Shadow economy

How to "disburse" 5 billion on roads and turn them into cash through shell companies and carpets How to "disburse" 5 billion on roads and turn them into cash through shell companies and carpets The last audit of public spending on road construction was in 2018. Since then, the Ukrainian media has published more than one investigation into the activities of the road cartel and abuses at the Big Construction. 122 960 12

As Zelensky’s party falters, Ukrainian parliament drifts to standstill As Zelensky’s party falters, Ukrainian parliament drifts to standstill Ukraine’s parliament is facing a standstill as the government struggles to gather necessary votes, leading to a general sense of frustration among lawmakers. The reasons behind this include increased travel restrictions, poor communication, pressure from other government bodies, and a growing concentration of power in the President’s Office. 94 0

How eggs for 17 have been transformed into hotels in Croatia: from life and affairs of Ministry of Defense’s food mafia How eggs for 17 have been transformed into hotels in Croatia: from life and affairs of Ministry of Defense’s food mafia The most scandalous supplier of goods to the Ministry of Defense, as it turns out, bought several hotels during the full-scale invasion. Journalists found them. And Censor.NET reveals the unknown details of how this scheme became possible. 19 628 60

Who is most active in blocking tax invoices: Anti-rating of regional tax services Who is most active in blocking tax invoices: Anti-rating of regional tax services We are publishing an anti-rating of the regions with the highest growth rate of VAT invoice blocking. Most of them are headed by "promoted" acting heads, some of whom are connected to the security forces. 53 0

Millions in cash: what top officials of Presidential Administration and members of government declared in their declarations Millions in cash: what top officials of Presidential Administration and members of government declared in their declarations Most members of the government, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top officials from the Presidential Office refused to voluntarily submit their 2022 income declarations. 374 0

Why the main Shahed negotiator’s family still have European passports Why the main Shahed negotiator’s family still have European passports On January 19th, 2023, while Ukraine was being bombarded by Shahed aircraft with the goal to stall Ukrainians, a helicopter, carrying the Russian president’s helper, Igor Levitin, landed on a football field in Iran. 8 702 5

Why are biggest bribe-takers absent in Register of Corrupt Persons Why are biggest bribe-takers absent in Register of Corrupt Persons The recipients of the largest bribes did not become officially corrupt - they are not in the Unified Register of persons who have committed corruption or corruption-related offenses. 179 0

From the fires of revolution, Ukraine is reinventing government From the fires of revolution, Ukraine is reinventing government Since the 2014 revolution, Ukrainian activists have set about using technology to prevent abuses of power – by building the world's most transparent platform for government spending. 326 0 Previously in trend: Revolution of Dignity anniversary

Here's how Ukraine's ousted government got away with $40 billion Here's how Ukraine's ousted government got away with $40 billion After then-president Viktor Yanukovych fled his palace during Ukraine’s bloody 2014 revolution, law enforcement agents across the globe focused on one question: How did the Kremlin-backed politician and his cronies make $40 billion in state assets disappear? 2 123 0 Previously in trend: Investigation of crimes against Maidan

In Ukraine, corruption is now undermining the military In Ukraine, corruption is now undermining the military Nearly four years into a grinding war against rebels armed by Russia, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry proudly announced last month that it had improved its previously meager medical services for its wounded troops with the purchase and delivery of 100 new military ambulances. 1 506 0

INL Director Christopher Smith: "Fight against corruption in Ukraine is a war. Wars take time, battles are won and lost, and there are victims and many sacrifices" INL Director Christopher Smith: "Fight against corruption in Ukraine is a war. Wars take time, battles are won and lost, and there are victims and many sacrifices" The U.S. influence in Ukraine is rapidly growing along with the number of government initiatives the Americans are helping to implement. The U.S. efforts are aimed not only at supporting Ukraine’s foreign policy but also at ensuring political stability inside the country. Christopher W. Smith runs International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) in the Kyiv-based U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Mr. Smith is one of the key figures involved in implementing reforms in Ukraine’s law enforcement field on behalf of the United States. 11 159 35 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine

Schooled in Scandal: What Makes Ukraine a Hotbed of Intrigue Schooled in Scandal: What Makes Ukraine a Hotbed of Intrigue The Poltava debacle helps explain why Ukraine, a land of so much promise thanks to its educated population, fertile farmland and vibrant civil society, has a tendency instead to generate so many headline-grabbing scandals. 328 0

Ukraine Has Increased Volatility As New Russian Sanctions Introduced Ukraine Has Increased Volatility As New Russian Sanctions Introduced As Vladimir Putin aggressively retaliates to America’s new sanctions against Russia by ordering the American diplomatic mission in Russia to reduce its staff by 755 employees, Ukraine might be facing new immediate threats of another invasion and land grab from the East. 194 0

Fighting corruption, Ukraine starts to judge its judges Fighting corruption, Ukraine starts to judge its judges "We feel the resistance of the old, unreformed system." 195 0 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine

A Bellwether Case For Ukraine’s Reform Movement A Bellwether Case For Ukraine’s Reform Movement Ukraine may have won its first big battle in its fight against corruption. 160 0 Previously in trend: Trial of Nasirov

Why Ukraine’s Desperate Struggle Gives Me Hope Why Ukraine’s Desperate Struggle Gives Me Hope Contrary to popular belief, Ukrainians are turning the tide in their fight for democracy. 192 0

Kyiv in Denial Kyiv in Denial Ukraine’s leaders think their country is too important to fail. They're wrong. 217 0

Mikheil Saakashvili: 'Ukraine's government has no vision for reform' Mikheil Saakashvili: 'Ukraine's government has no vision for reform' A year after becoming governor of Odesa, the combative ex-Georgian president talks to The Guardian about his anti-corruption drive and his frustration with Petro Poroshenko. 473 0

Fighting a Culture of Corruption in Ukraine Fighting a Culture of Corruption in Ukraine Corruption in Ukraine is a system that was wounded by the Euromaidan protests but has survived and, to some extent, retrenched. Curing a culture of corruption across society is necessarily a long-term process and requires the inculcation of confidence in the rule of law in the wider public. 250 0

The West Is Enabling Graft in Ukraine The West Is Enabling Graft in Ukraine If health care had been adequately funded, perhaps Ukraine wouldn’t have one of the world’s fastest-growing H.I.V. epidemics. If Ukrainian leaders had not been so dire, perhaps there wouldn’t have been a revolution, let alone two. If the country had not been so asset-stripped, perhaps its troops could have defended Crimea from Russian annexation. 326 0 Previously in trend: Panama offshore scandal

Ukraine’s Unyielding Corruption Ukraine’s Unyielding Corruption Poroshenko seems to have accepted continuing corruption as the price to pay for a modicum of maneuvering room. But the president, the prime minister and the Parliament must be made to understand that the International Monetary Fund and donor nations, including the United States, cannot continue to shovel money into a corrupt swamp unless the government starts shaping the democratic rule that Ukrainians demanded in their protests. 278 0

Corruption in Ukraine: Dear friends, Ukraine’s grace period for tackling cronyism may have run out Corruption in Ukraine: Dear friends, Ukraine’s grace period for tackling cronyism may have run out IN TSARSKE SELO (“Tsar’s Village”), a smart district in Kyiv, Ukraine’s president, Petro Poroshenko, owns a swathe of desirable land. Across the street sits a sprawling compound belonging to Ihor Kononenko, the president’s friend and deputy head of his parliamentary faction. 339 0

Investing in Ukraine’s Future Investing in Ukraine’s Future Washington must do more than just punish Russia. It must bolster Ukrainians as they struggle to build a new, reform-minded government while continuing to fight to maintain their country’s territorial integrity. 172 0

Ukraine: Still hoping for change Ukraine: Still hoping for change Expectations that sparked a revolution have not been met yet 191 0

Day of ‘disillusionment’ as voters in Ukraine go to the polls Day of ‘disillusionment’ as voters in Ukraine go to the polls The vote is seen as a referendum on the leadership of President Petro Poroshenko. 251 0 Previously in trend: Local elections 2015

Struggling Ukraine Is Bad News for Russians Struggling Ukraine Is Bad News for Russians Now that Ukraine has embarked on the path of Westernization, it will doubtless continue in the same direction. 301 0

Crimea Is Now Putin's Problem Child Crimea Is Now Putin's Problem Child After Russian security services launched an investigation into Crimean officials' corrupt activities, the peninsula authorities started to talk tough. 558 0

President v oligarch President v oligarch Building a nation means putting plutocrats in their place. 269 0

Jody Kriss. Front for the Russian Mafia and Yanukovich Jody Kriss. Front for the Russian Mafia and Yanukovich Usually information about the mafia gets leaked to the media from the FBI or police reports, but rarely from informants or key players in the organizations themselves. That’s why the following story piqued my interest and I began to investigate the alleged activities linking the Russian mafia to the U.S. real estate market. 4 461 0

How Ukraine's Tax Cheats Stole Billions from the Country's Coffers How Ukraine's Tax Cheats Stole Billions from the Country's Coffers Ukraine's deputy tax minister says fraud scams diverted $11bn from the country's budget over just three years. 262 0