The move could be linked to a scandal involving procurement of food for soldiers at inflated prices, reports have suggested
FILE PHOTO: Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov. © Global Look Press / Nina Liashonok
Ukrainian anti-corruption agents have raided the home of former Defense Minister Aleksey Reznikov, according to several Ukrainian media outlets, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Officers from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) seized an “undeclared” smartphone and certain documents from Reznikov’s apartment, according to reports by Strana.ua and ZN. The outlets did not specify whether the former minister was detained or questioned during the operation.
NABU has yet to issue an official statement. Sources close to Reznikov confirmed that a raid had taken place but denied that any items were seized.
The investigation is said to be connected to a major embezzlement case dating back to Reznikov’s time as defense minister. In early April, the NABU announced that it was investigating the misappropriation of more than 733 million hryvnia (approximately $17.6 million) earmarked for military food procurement. The suspects also allegedly attempted to embezzle an additional 788 million hryvnia (about $18.9 million) under the same scheme.
Reznikov was not listed as a suspect at the time, the NABU noted. However, media reports suggested that his possible involvement in the scheme remained under scrutiny.
During Reznikov’s tenure, the Defense Ministry was embroiled in several corruption scandals. One involved the purchase of jackets that reportedly tripled in price between shipment and delivery.
At various points, senior ministry officials were accused of buying food for troops at inflated prices and making payments to questionable firms for substandard goods or supplies that never arrived. A wave of media investigations in early 2023 exposed the alleged abuses, prompting a public outcry and ultimately leading to Reznikov’s resignation in September of that year.
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Four months later, his successor, Rustem Umerov, stated that an internal ministry audit had uncovered approximately $262 million in losses related to theft. Umerov himself is also reportedly under investigation by anti-corruption authorities for alleged abuse of power in connection with defense procurement.