Anti-Corruption Court Detains Lawyer Dydych in 'Carthage' Case, Sets Bail at 15 Million UAH

Lawyer Oleksandr Dydych Detained by Ukraine's Highest Anti-Corruption Court

According to 5 канал: The Highest Anti-Corruption Court has ordered the detention of lawyer Oleksandr Dydych in connection with the high-profile 'Carthage' case, offering bail as an alternative set at 15 million hryvnias. Dydych faces accusations of participating in a criminal organization and money laundering. The hearing was overseen by investigative judge Ihor Strohyi, who also imposed procedural obligations on Dydych should bail be posted.

The Network and Responsibilities of Oleksandr Dydych

Dydych is known to be a trusted associate of Serhii Kropyva, deputy head of the Department of International Cooperation at the Office of the Prosecutor General, who is referred to by the alias 'Chancellor.' Their close family ties are underscored by the fact that Dydych’s wife is Kropyva’s sister. The lawyer is charged with two grave crimes: involvement in a criminal organization and legalization of illicit assets. According to the Anti-Corruption Center, 'Dydych served as Kropyva’s confidant, and notably, his wife is the sister of Chancellor Kropyva.'

Investigations revealed that Dydych concealed ownership of certain properties linked to Kropyva by transferring them from close associates to other individuals, including associates of Serhii Kutsyi. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) exposed a criminal network in the 'Carthage' case that protected fraudulent call centers and collected bribes totaling over 42 million hryvnias.

The court outlined specific conditions for Dydych if bail is paid, including:

• the surrender of passports for international travel,
• a ban on contacting Ruslan Kravchenko,
• and mandatory wearing of an electronic monitoring bracelet.

Meanwhile, SAPO continues to probe the laundering of funds allegedly used to acquire real estate, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and transfers to accounts of close associates.

Serhii Kropyva, who has also been detained, faces a substantially higher bail set at 120 million hryvnias. Investigators state that since mid-2025, Kropyva organized a group including prosecutors and other individuals known by codenames such as Muza, Kamrat, and Flesh. This group reportedly accepted bribes to ensure the smooth operation of fraudulent call center networks, highlighting the severity of the criminal activity uncovered.

This case has drawn considerable public attention due to the suspects’ connections with government institutions. Source: Anti-Corruption Center

The investigation casts light on the entrenched corruption within Ukrainian state bodies and underscores the critical role of anti-corruption agencies in exposing and prosecuting such offenses. Authorities continue to examine all aspects of the case, which may lead to additional arrests and uncover further details about the criminal organization’s operations.

The developments surrounding Oleksandr Dydych's detention highlight a larger pattern of corruption within Ukraine's legal and prosecutorial systems. This case is intricately linked to the recent arrest of a high-ranking official for his involvement in shielding illicit operations, particularly fraudulent call centers. For further insights into the connections between these cases and the implications for Ukraine's fight against corruption, read more about the detention of the Deputy Head of the Prosecutor General's Office.