The Case of Volodymyr Tsenov
Volodymyr Tsenov, first deputy head of the National Police's Strategic Investigations Department and a key figure in the 'Carthage' investigation, has had bail posted on his behalf totaling 15 million UAH. On November 5, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) ordered that Tsenov be detained for 60 days, with the option to secure release through a bail payment. The bail was covered by two individuals: Mykola Volodymyrovych Tsenov, Volodymyr's father, contributed 13 million UAH, while a second party paid the remaining 2 million UAH.
Tsenov faces allegations of involvement in a criminal network that provided protection for fraudulent call centers. Within the case files, he is referred to by the alias 'Price.' On November 4, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) announced the exposure of a bribery scheme targeting senior law enforcement officials linked to the 'Carthage' case. The investigation implicated active senior members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), National Police, the Prosecutor General's Office, and individuals connected with organized crime.
Following investigative actions, NABU suspended the involved police officers while further inquiries continue. SBU Chief Oleksandr Poklad dismissed two senior SBU officials implicated in the probe. On November 5, the HACC also ruled on preventive measures for two suspects:
- Volodymyr Tsenov: 60-day detention with an option for 15 million UAH bail;
- Vitaliy Rybalka: detention without bail.
Overview of Operation 'Carthage'
The 'Carthage' operation, unveiled by NABU and SAPO on September 4, 2026, revealed a criminal group that extorted bribes from fraudulent call centers and laundered illicit profits. Sergey Kropyva, Deputy Head of the Prosecutor General's Office's Department for International Legal Cooperation, was also charged. According to investigators, Kropyva established this criminal ring in mid-2025, recruiting sitting prosecutors and their close unofficial associates.
The gang demanded bribes in exchange for allowing shadow call centers to operate freely—centers that systematically defrauded both Ukrainian citizens and foreigners. The fallout led to the resignation of Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko after employees of his office were detained. On September 15, 2026, the president officially dismissed Kravchenko. Notably, Kravchenko left the country on the night of September 14 in an official vehicle and has yet to return, claiming to be on a business trip.
Cases involving corruption within law enforcement agencies severely undermine public trust in governmental institutions. Operation 'Carthage' is part of Ukraine’s broader initiative to uncover and punish corrupt networks that threaten the rule of law. Continued investigations and their outcomes are expected to send a strong message about the state’s commitment to tackling corruption at every level.
As the investigation into the 'Carthage' operation unfolds, the involvement of a broader criminal network is becoming increasingly evident. Recent developments have seen five individuals connected to this scheme facing charges, highlighting the extensive nature of the fraud linked to call centers. For a deeper understanding of the ongoing efforts by NABU and SAPO in tackling this criminal organization, you can read more about the charges against these suspects here.