In Kyiv, the Security Service of Ukraine detained two dealers who could have disrupted free delivery of electronic warfare equipment to our country.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators began blackmailing a foreign company that manufactures electronic warfare equipment.

This company had already manufactured and delivered five specialized systems to Ukraine. These were provided to our country free of charge, as they were paid for by international partners.

If these devices were successfully used in combat, the partner country planned to increase its defense order with the manufacturer.

Accordingly, the company itself was interested in new contracts.

When the fraudsters found out about this, they began to demand bribes from representatives of the foreign company. In exchange for USD 200,000 they promised to arrange positive conclusions with ‘their contacts’ regarding the EW products.

The SSU uncovered the scheme at an early stage and detained both suspects during the handover of the entire bribe, which took place in Kyiv.

Based on the evidence, SSU investigators notified the detained individuals of suspicion under Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU, committed by a group upon prior conspiracy);
• 28.2, 369-2.3 (acceptance of a proposal, promise or receipt of unlawful benefits for oneself or a third party for influencing the decision-making of a person authorized to perform state functions, combined with extortion of such benefits, committed by a group upon prior conspiracy).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspects face up to 8 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Specialized Defense Prosecutor’s Office.