Kickbacks in the procurement of FPV drones and electronic warfare equipment for military units with local budget funds
Alleged
₴3,000,000
Established by court
—
According to NABU and SAPO, in 2024–2025 an organised group systematically misappropriated budget funds that local self-government bodies allocated to the needs of the defence forces. Among the episodes: the procurement of FPV drones worth almost UAH 10 million by a National Guard military unit with a price markup of over UAH 3 million, which, according to investigators, was received as a kickback by the former head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration, a Member of Parliament, the head of a city military administration and other participants; the procurement of electronic warfare equipment, for which some participants, according to investigators, received up to 30% of the contract amount (the amount was not named). On 4 August 2025 notices of suspicion were served (Article 191(5), Article 368(4) of the Criminal Code); the HACC ordered pre-trial restraints with the alternative of bail (UAH 10 million for the former head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration, UAH 8 million for the MP). On 17 April 2026 NABU announced the completion of the investigation and the disclosure of the materials to the defence. NABU does not name names; the individuals are identified based on TI Ukraine ("HACC Decided") and media reports. The episode amount is the FPV drone price markup according to NABU (in August 2025 NABU estimated it at about USD 80 thousand). As of 3 October 2026, no reports of the indictment being sent to court have been found; there is no verdict.
- Pre-trial investigation body:
- National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
- Proceedings:
- 42025000000000261
- Charges:
- ч. 5 ст. 191 КК України, ч. 4 ст. 368 КК України
Co-defendants according to investigators: Haidai Serhii Volodymyrovych
Sources (14)
Corruption in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment: investigation completed
Official statement · NABU · 17 Apr 2026
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Corruption in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment: materials disclosed
Official statement · Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office · 17 Apr 2026
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Corruption in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment: six suspects
Official statement · NABU · 4 Aug 2025
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Corruption in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment: six suspects
Official statement · National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine · 4 Aug 2025
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Large-scale corruption scheme involving an MP in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare equipment exposed
Official statement · NABU · 2 Aug 2025
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Case of misappropriation in procurement of electronic warfare systems and UAVs
Investigation · Transparency International Ukraine ("HACC Decided") · 6 Aug 2025
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Misappropriation on drones: NABU completes investigation in case involving Haidai and "Servant" Kuznietsov
Media · Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (ZN.UA) · 17 Apr 2026
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Deputy Kuznietsov released on bail: he is involved in the case of "kickbacks" on drones and electronic warfare
Media · Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (ZN.UA) · 2 Sept 2025
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Kickbacks on drones and electronic warfare for the National Guard: former head of Rubizhne City Military Administration Yurchenko sent into custody
Media · Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (ZN.UA) · 5 Aug 2025
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Corruption in procurement of drones and electronic warfare: court arrests National Guard colonel, bail of 2 million
Media · Ukrainska Pravda · 5 Aug 2025
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Kickbacks in procurement of drones and electronic warfare: court sends former head of Luhansk Regional Military Administration Haidai into custody for 60 days
Media · Dzerkalo Tyzhnia (ZN.UA) · 4 Aug 2025
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Corruption scheme in procurement of UAVs and electronic warfare: arrest and 30 million bail requested for detained MP
Media · Ukrainska Pravda · 4 Aug 2025
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"He already fled, why do it again": "Servant of the People" Kuznietsov, suspected of misappropriating USD 80 thousand in drone procurement, may be released on UAH 8 million bail
Media · Slidstvo.Info · 4 Aug 2025
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Serhii Haidai receives 60 days in pre-trial detention in case of misappropriation of funds for army drones. He may be released on UAH 10 million bail
Media · Slidstvo.Info · 4 Aug 2025
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