On November 4, 2026, NABU and SAP published the results of an investigation that uncovered a criminal organization involving high-ranking officials from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Prosecutor General's Office, and the National Police. The operation, named 'Carthage', revealed systematic cases of corruption and protection of illegal businesses.
Composition of the Criminal Organization
According to the investigation, the organization consisted of at least 12 individuals, including:
- SBU General Serhiy Duka,
- First Deputy Head of the 'D' Department for National State Security Protection of the SBU Oleksandr Kovalchuk,
- Head of the Main Department of Internal Security of the SBU Colonel Anton Kravchuk.
The organizer of the group was a man previously convicted multiple times for crimes, who involved current high-ranking officials and representatives of the criminal environment in his activities.
Criminal Schemes and Activities
According to NABU, the members of the organization systematically paid bribes to law enforcement officials for covering up the following illegal businesses:
- Fraudulent call centers that deceived citizens;
- Drug trafficking;
- Production of counterfeit cigarettes;
- Issuance of counterfeit foreign currency.
Additionally, members of the group are suspected of organizing assaults, kidnappings, and bodily harm for hire.
Response from Law Enforcement
It is noted that the 'Carthage' operation was an important step in the fight against corruption within Ukraine's law enforcement agencies. NABU and SAP emphasized that they will continue the investigation and take measures to hold all those involved in criminal activities accountable.