Former Border Guard Official Faces Corruption Charges
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have formally notified a former deputy head of the Western Regional Department of the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) of suspicion. The official currently serves as deputy head of the Eastern Regional Department. Between 2023 and 2024, the suspect acquired assets valued at over 11 million hryvnias, with investigators unable to verify their lawful origin. According to the probe, part of these funds was used to purchase a Toyota RAV4, while the remaining cash was seized during a search of the official’s residence.
The individual’s actions have been classified under Article 368-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. In January 2026, NABU and SAPO uncovered a group of individuals who systematically received illicit benefits to facilitate unhindered border crossings. This case exposed a large-scale corruption scheme within the SBGS, involving the illegal smuggling of cigarettes into the European Union using vehicles with forged diplomatic plates and the involvement of relatives of Ukrainian diplomats.
Preventive Measures and Broader Investigation
A judge from the High Anti-Corruption Court has imposed preventive measures on former top SBGS officials, including ex-chief Serhiy Deyneko and former head of the ‘Solomonovo’ border service unit, Oleksandr Marushchak. In February 2026, a bail of 10 million hryvnias was posted for Deyneko.
This case is part of a wider investigation into corruption schemes within the State Border Guard Service, revealing serious abuses at high levels of authority. The uncovered facts point to systemic issues in the management and oversight of border guard activities, which could tarnish the state’s image in its anti-corruption efforts. A key point is that the investigation continues, and further law enforcement actions may lead to new revelations and arrests.
The ongoing investigations into corruption within Ukraine's border control are not isolated incidents. Recent allegations against a former lawmaker for misappropriating state resources highlight a broader pattern of abuse within government institutions. For more on similar cases of corruption involving significant sums, explore this related story that sheds light on the misuse of public funds.