Former SBU Major General Duka Remains in Custody After Partial Bail Payment
Former SBU Major General Serhiy Duka remains in custody after ₴44 million of the ₴65 million bail set by the Higher Anti-Corruption Court was raised in the Karfagen case. The money came from 1,113 contributors, leaving ₴21 million outstanding. Duka denies involvement in the alleged criminal organization, while his lawyer says the defense will appeal the preventive measure.
Key points
- Duka remained in custody as of 15:30 on November 10.
- ₴44 million of the ₴65 million bail had been paid by 1,113 contributors.
- A further ₴21 million was needed to meet the full bail requirement.
- The court imposed 60 days in custody on November 6, with ₴65 million bail as an alternative.
- Prosecutors had requested ₴100 million in bail.
- Contributions ranged from ₴10,000–₴20,000 to ₴100,000–₴150,000.
- Duka denies involvement in the criminal organization investigated in the Karfagen case.
Why it matters
Duka cannot be released on bail while ₴21 million remains unpaid. The case links a senior former SBU official to allegations that law-enforcement officials protected fraudulent call centers and other illegal activity. The collection of bail from 1,113 contributors also indicates a substantial mobilization, with some reports alleging that SBU personnel were urged or pressured to contribute.
What happened
On November 6, the Higher Anti-Corruption Court placed Duka, a former first deputy head of the SBU's Department of National Security Protection, under arrest for 60 days and allowed release on ₴65 million bail. By 15:30 on November 10, ₴44 million had been paid by 1,113 contributors, but the full amount had not been raised and Duka remained in custody. Duka denied involvement in the alleged criminal organization and said he was willing to assist the investigation and had no intention of leaving the country. His attorney said the defense would appeal the court's decision.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting focuses on the incomplete bail payment, the 1,113 contributors and the remaining ₴21 million shortfall. Agency reports emphasize the court's statement that the full amount had not been paid, while other media reports identify the amount collected as ₴44 million. Coverage also examines allegations that SBU employees were encouraged or pressured to contribute to the bail, alongside Duka’s denial of involvement and his lawyer’s announcement of an appeal.
Where reporting differs
When the court first announced that bail had been paid only partially, it did not specify the amount. Later reports identified ₴44 million collected from 1,113 contributors. The court did not establish who these contributors were, and journalists could not independently verify their identities or precise composition. Sources also described Duka’s former SBU role slightly differently, referring to him as either the former first deputy head or former deputy head of the Department of National Security Protection.
Background
Duka was dismissed from the SBU on November 4. NABU and SAP announced suspicions against five people in the Karfagen case, which they said involved at least 12 people. According to investigators, the alleged organization provided improper benefits to law-enforcement officials so fraudulent call centers and other illegal businesses could operate without interference. Duka is suspected of creating or leading the organization or participating in it using his official position.