Military Commander Exposed for Bribery: Nine Subordinates Paid for Leave Permissions

Commander of Military Unit Exposed

According to Главком: In the Kyiv region, a military unit commander has been exposed for systematically taking money from his subordinate servicemen in exchange for granting unofficial leave permissions. Investigators from Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigations (DBR) and Security Service (SBU) suspect he received illegal benefits throughout 2023. The payments, made by servicemen, were for unofficial authorizations to leave their duty station and travel outside the Kyiv garrison. The funds were transferred directly to the commander's personal bank card. This case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts within Ukraine's armed forces during a critical period.

Investigation and Consequences

Investigators have documented 14 separate episodes where illegal benefits were received from nine servicemen. The commander has already been formally notified of suspicion under Part 1 and Part 3 of Article 368 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. The sanctions under this article provide for up to 10 years of imprisonment, a ban on holding certain positions for up to 3 years, and confiscation of property. In 2025, nine servicemen who transferred the money were also notified of suspicion. Their actions are classified under Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 369 of the Criminal Code, which carries a potential penalty of up to 6 years in prison plus a fine ranging from 500 to 1000 non-taxable minimum incomes.

Indictments concerning the servicemen have already been sent to court. The DBR press service stated that

"the official essentially exploited his position for personal enrichment, pressuring his subordinates and placing them in a dependent position"

- DBR press service.

This incident serves as a stark example of the abuse of official position within the military structure.

The exposure of the commander in the Kyiv region points to serious corruption issues within the Ukrainian armed forces. It also underscores the critical need for oversight of military officials and the importance of reforms to increase transparency and accountability in the defense sector. The law enforcement response to this case may signal to other personnel that abusing one's official position will not go unpunished.