Verdict for the ex-director of VAKS
The Appellate Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) confirmed the verdict for the ex-director of the state enterprise, Serhiy Shvydky, who was found guilty of embezzling funds during the procurement of dynamic protection elements for armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The verdict was upheld on January 8, 2026, after which Shvydky was sentenced to 10 years in prison, 3 years of prohibition from holding positions, and a fine of 59,500 hryvnias.
Case details
According to the materials of the case, the damages to the state amounted to 7.3 million hryvnias. The indictment in Serhiy Shvydky's case was sent to court in July 2025, and a special pre-trial investigation was conducted from October 2022. The verdict is based on the following articles:
- 191 (part 5)
- 28 (part 2)
- 366 (part 1) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine
These articles regulate issues of embezzlement of state funds and abuse of office.
Thus, the decision of the Appellate Chamber of VAKS became final in this case, confirming the validity of the previously issued verdict.
This verdict underscores the importance of combating corruption in Ukraine, especially in conditions of military action when resources for the Armed Forces are critically necessary.
Highlighting the scale of the damages, the court decision may serve as an example for other individuals who may be involved in corrupt schemes. Strengthening responsibility for abuse of office may also contribute to increasing public trust in state institutions.