/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/MHLDI5TEMVNT3CMXQ3XVPTX5GQ.jpg "Ukraine dismisses high-ranking cyber defence officials amidst corruption investigation")
Yurii Shchyhol, Head of the State Service of Special Communication and Information Protection of Ukraine, speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 22, 2023. REUTERS/Ivan Lyubysh-Kirdey/File Photo
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Ukraine has taken steps against corruption in its pursuit of EU
membership, particularly in the cyber security sector. Recently, this led to the dismissal of two senior cyber defence officialsAccusations of embezzlement in Ukraine’s cyber security agency prompt the sacking of Yurii Shchyhol, head of the State Service of Special Communications and
Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP), and his deputy, Viktor Zhora.
Senior cabinet official Taras Melnychuk announced the dismissals but did not elaborate on details.
In response, Shchyhol asserted his innocence on Facebook, while Zora has remained silent.
The SSSCIP’s primary functions are safeguarding government communications and protecting against cyber attacks.
The firing of the officials was followed by news of an investigation by anti-corruption prosecutors, who are probing their involvement in an alleged embezzlement scheme worth 62 million Ukrainian hryvnia ($1.72 million) between 2020 and 2022. Accusations include the misuse of funds for software procurement.
The case has brought to light allegations of rigged software procurement through companies connected to the accused officials.
In response, the SSSCIP released a statement, affirming its cooperation with the authorities and maintained that all agency procurement procedures were carried out in adherence to the law.
Ukraine has demonstrated its commitment to tackling corruption as part of its pursuit of EU membership by investigating and prosecuting high-profile individuals, fulfilling a key requirement set by the European Union.
Recent targets for investigation have included a billionaire former patron of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the ex-head of Ukraine’s Supreme Court. Both have denied any wrongdoing.
In connection with the current situation, Shchyhol also raised concerns about Russian infiltration of Ukraine’s law enforcement systems to obtain evidence related to alleged war crimes.
Reporting by Dan Peleschuk, Editing by Bernadette Baum, Ed Osmond and Andrew Heavens
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