NABU uncovered a $1 million bribery scheme involving the procurement of drones for the State Border Guard Service
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) have notified an official of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and the owner of a drone manufacturing company that they are under investigation for allegedly extorting $1 million in bribes during the procurement of drones.
This was reported by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.
According to the investigation, in August 2025, a representative of the State Border Guard Service administration allegedly organized the procurement of unmanned aerial systems in such a way that a company linked to his accomplice would win the contract.
However, another participant joined the tender, offering more favorable supply terms. Initially, the plan was to purchase 270 unmanned aerial systems for 825 million hryvnias, but the offer was later reduced to 760 million hryvnias, allowing this company to win.
According to the NABU, after the initial plan fell through, the owner of the competing company, together with an official from the State Border Guard Service, began demanding $1 million from the tender winner in exchange for the unimpeded signing of the contract and the subsequent acceptance of the equipment.
Investigators believe that the funds received were intended to be distributed among the participants in the scheme and certain officials.
The State Border Guard Service official is charged with receiving an unlawful benefit, and the businessman with aiding and abetting this crime. The penalty under this article provides for up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The State Border Guard Service stated that it is cooperating with the investigation and providing all necessary materials regarding the procurement process. The agency emphasized that it has no intention of covering up any possible violations and expects all the circumstances of the case to be established in court.
NABU and the SAPO have completed their investigation into the case involving an alleged bribe offer to MPs by Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the BYuT, and have made the case materials available to the defense prior to trial. The MP herself did not appear for the review.
As a reminder, the court lifted the seizure of some of Yulia Tymoshenko’s and her husband’s property.
