Search Operations Target High-Ranking SBU Officers
On November 4, 2026, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) conducted search operations involving several senior officials within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). During these procedures, a serious confrontation unfolded when an SBU representative threatened NABU detectives with a firearm, attempting to block access to the premises under investigation. The searches focused on Colonel Anton Kravchuk, head of the SBU's Main Internal Security Directorate, and Oleksandr Kovalchuk, the first deputy chief of the 'D' Main Department for National Statehood Protection within the SBU. Additionally, General Serhiy Duka, the first deputy head of the National Statehood Protection Department, was also under scrutiny.
These operations were authorized by a ruling from a judge at the High Anti-Corruption Court. SBU special forces were present during the searches. Notably, in July 2025, under Serhiy Duka's leadership, the SBU carried out over 50 search operations against NABU detectives, including the detention of Ruslan Magamedrasulov, a NABU detective accused of collaborating with the aggressor state and illegally conducting business in Russia.
Details on the Charges Against Ruslan Magamedrasulov
Ruslan Magamedrasulov, who leads one of NABU’s interregional detective units in Dnipro, faces allegations under Article 111-2 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. Investigators claim he assisted his father—who holds a Russian Federation passport—in trafficking technical hemp to Dagestan. It is also documented that Magamedrasulov's mother resides in Kyiv, collects a pension from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), and posts pro-Russian content on social media. Authorities have been probing possible links between Magamedrasulov and Russian intelligence services.
According to SBU sources, Magamedrasulov maintained close contact with fugitive Member of Parliament Fedor Khrystenko, affiliated with the banned Opposition Platform — For Life party (OPZZh), and recruited by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). During searches at Khrystenko’s residence, NABU discovered materials containing sensitive and classified information. On September 23, 2025, the Kyiv Court of Appeals upheld Magamedrasulov’s detention on charges of conducting illegal business activities in Russia. Further searches at his relatives’ homes on October 20, 2025, were part of investigations into illicit enrichment and asset legalization. However, on December 3, 2025, the Court of Appeals released him from custody. This case is reportedly linked to the 'Midas' operation, in which Magamedrasulov participated as part of NABU’s team.
“Such behavior is unacceptable and obstructs NABU detectives from fulfilling their lawful procedural duties.”
This episode highlights escalating tensions between NABU and the SBU amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts and crackdowns on organized crime in Ukraine. The recent searches targeting top SBU officials underscore the gravity of the accusations and may have far-reaching implications for law enforcement agencies. The unfolding situation risks undermining public confidence in government institutions and their capacity to combat corruption effectively.
The ongoing investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau highlight a broader pattern of scrutiny within Ukraine's law enforcement agencies. Recent operations, such as those involving the searches at the National Bank, reveal the complexities and challenges faced by anti-corruption efforts in the country. As these high-profile cases unfold, the implications for governance and accountability in Ukraine continue to be significant.