NABU’s Official Response to Fire Point Inquiry
Denys Shtilerman, founder of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, has released the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine’s (NABU) reply to a legal request. The document, dated May 14, 2026, and addressed to attorney Denys Shkarovsky, who represents the company, confirms that in the ongoing pre-trial investigation (case No. 52025000000000048), no suspicions have been notified to Fire Point’s executives or founders, and no indictment has been issued. Additionally, the company itself has not been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (URPI) as a legal entity subject to criminal law measures.
Investigation Overview
Launched by NABU detectives on February 3, 2025, the investigation focuses on potential crimes under Article 191, Part 5, and Article 209, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Authorities are probing allegations of collusion between officials from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Strategic Industries, and the State Service for Special Communications, along with representatives from manufacturing firms, to artificially inflate costs of state contracts for unmanned systems. Detectives are also examining possible price overcharges by six domestic producers.
The inquiry reviews contracts signed with Fire Point LLC between August 2023 and November 2024. As of NABU’s response, no charges have been brought against Fire Point’s leaders or founders, and no indictment has been filed. Furthermore, NABU detectives have not entered Fire Point LLC into the URPI as an entity that could face criminal sanctions.
In an interview with Yanina Sokolova on the program 'Rendezvous,' Denys Shtilerman accused the Anti-Corruption Action Center of distributing the company’s technical documentation through embassies. He also stated that due to the Center’s actions, the Frey anti-ballistic interceptor project with Norway was delayed by eight months—originally scheduled for June 2025, it only launched in February 2026. In response, Fire Point has filed a complaint with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) regarding the Center’s conduct.
“We are very grateful to NABU for their timely and thorough response. We remain fully prepared to cooperate with genuine anti-corruption bodies,” said Denys Shtilerman.
He also urged local branches of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and other so-called 'scoundrels' not to hinder the company’s mission of dismantling the Russian empire.
This case underscores the critical need for transparency in Ukraine’s defense procurement sector, especially amid ongoing external threats. At the same time, NABU’s statement could mark a key step in restoring trust in defense firms and their operations, as it confirms that Fire Point is currently not under investigation. The evolving relationship between the company and anti-corruption authorities may shape the future trajectory of Ukraine’s defense industry.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential to consider the broader implications surrounding the recent allegations. The controversy involving Fire Point has raised questions about the integrity of state contracts, particularly in light of the halted missile shield negotiations and concerns over leaked information. Understanding these connections can provide deeper insights into the ongoing challenges faced by the Ukrainian defense sector.