Operation 'Carthage'
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) together with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) have exposed a broad corruption network involving senior officials from Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. Although much of the evidence remains confidential to protect the ongoing investigation, it was revealed between November 4 and 5, 2026, that five individuals linked to this criminal organization were formally charged. These include members of the police force and Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), some of whom have been suspended or dismissed from their positions.
Details from the second phase of Operation 'Carthage' have not been fully disclosed, as authorities continue to safeguard the integrity of the probe. What has been made public indicates these officials accepted illicit payments to facilitate the unhindered operation of fraudulent call centers and other illegal enterprises. This scheme implicated current high-ranking representatives from the SBU, National Police, the Prosecutor General’s Office, as well as individuals connected to the criminal underworld.
Current Developments and Next Steps
Following procedural actions by NABU targeting police officers, the National Police suspended those implicated pending the investigation’s outcome. Similarly, the SBU’s leadership, led by Oleksandr Poklad, removed two senior officers involved in the case. On November 5, 2026, NABU and SAP officially announced charges against five members of the criminal group.
The court imposed preventive measures on two key suspects: Volodymyr Tsenov was placed under 60-day detention with an option to post bail set at 15 million hryvnias, while Vitaliy Rybalka was remanded in custody without bail. The alleged ringleader, Andriy Osipov, known as 'Kryminal,' had previously been arrested on allegations of extorting one million dollars to assist in evading extradition to Russia.
Commenting on the situation, Oleksandr Abakumov said: "After watching the footage from the second phase of Operation 'Carthage,' many people might feel an almost physical urge to cleanse themselves—to wash away the grime they witnessed."
He added that a significant portion of the investigation materials remains undisclosed and urged the public not to become desensitized to corruption, emphasizing, "Carthage must be destroyed."
Information has emerged that Andriy Osipov maintained connections with law enforcement officials in Zhytomyr region. Also, in the summer of 2025, certain SBU officials were reportedly involved in attempts to undermine the independence of NABU and SAP. The investigation is ongoing, with further updates expected.
Operation 'Carthage' highlights the entrenched challenges of corruption within Ukraine’s law enforcement institutions and demonstrates the proactive measures taken by anti-corruption bodies to combat these offenses. This case could significantly affect public trust in government agencies and serves as a key indicator for both domestic audiences and international partners regarding Ukraine’s progress in anti-corruption reforms.
The recent developments in Operation 'Carthage' highlight the ongoing efforts of the NABU and SAP to combat corruption within Ukraine's law enforcement agencies. To understand the full scope of the criminal activities uncovered and the implications for those involved, it is essential to explore the details surrounding the charges against the criminal network that has been systematically dismantled during this operation.