Ukraine uncovers major criminal network allegedly backed by senior security officials
Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities said they had exposed a large criminal organization during the “Carthage” operation. The network allegedly ran scam call centers, trafficked drugs, produced counterfeit euros and commissioned attacks, with senior security and police officials among those detained or implicated.
Key points
- NABU and SAP announced the exposure of a major criminal organization on November 4 during the “Carthage” operation.
- The organization allegedly included at least 12 people and operated scam call centers, trafficked drugs, produced counterfeit euros and commissioned attacks.
- Serhii Duka, a major general and first deputy head of the SBU’s National Security Protection Department, was detained on November 4.
- NABU said Duka obstructed investigators and threatened them with a weapon.
- Yegor Burkin, also identified as Yegor Levchenko, is wanted by Ukraine and has been under personal sanctions since December 2023.
- Journalists identified Duka as “Akim,” Andrii Osypov as “Criminal,” and Burkin as “Mexican,” according to the investigation.
- Investigators allege the network expanded after Russia’s full-scale invasion with support from influential Ukrainian law-enforcement officials.
Why it matters
The investigation alleges that an organization protected by influential officials operated scam call centers, trafficked drugs, manufactured counterfeit euros and commissioned attacks. The detention of senior SBU and National Police officials raises questions about official oversight and possible involvement in organized crime.
What happened
NABU and SAP said they exposed a large criminal organization during the “Carthage” operation on November 4. The alleged network included at least 12 people and was involved in scam call centers, drug trafficking, counterfeit-euro production, the illegal manufacture of cigarettes and foreign currency, and commissioned attacks against people. Its activities reportedly targeted both Ukrainians and foreigners.
The SBU’s Serhii Duka was detained after detectives arrived to search his premises. Investigators said armed individuals blocked the search for roughly three hours and that Duka obstructed investigators and threatened them with a weapon. Special-purpose SBU personnel responded to the search.
According to NABU, the organization had ties to the transnational “Khimprom” cartel, which manufactures and distributes synthetic drugs such as mephedrone and alpha-PVP, and runs scam call centers. Investigators allege that it continued expanding after the full-scale invasion with support from influential Ukrainian law-enforcement officials. Several officials have already been suspended, while further searches and actions involving senior officials were reported.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
The Ukrainian coverage focuses on the scale of the exposed network, its alleged links to senior officials, investigators’ identification of participants who had been publicly referred to only by pseudonyms, and the detention of senior SBU and National Police personnel. The investigation also presents allegations of continued expansion after the full-scale invasion and links to Russian intelligence.
Background
The SBU reported that a 2023 operation against “Khimprom” resulted in the detention of 89 drug traffickers and the dismantling of drug laboratories. The SBU linked the cartel to Russian intelligence services, while an audio recording cited in the investigation mentions cooperation with representatives of Russia’s FSB. Journalists subsequently identified most participants whom anti-corruption authorities had referred to by pseudonyms.