A former first deputy head of a Ukrainian security department left detention after 65 million hryvnias in bail was paid in a case involving alleged law-enforcement protection of illegal businesses.
The High Anti-Corruption Court’s press service told Transparency International Ukraine on Nov. 13 that it had received the full amount. Suspilne reported that its correspondent saw Duka leave detention that day. Under the court’s Nov. 6 ruling, Duka could leave detention if the 65 million hryvnia bail was paid. Prosecutors had asked the court to hold Duka in custody, with bail of 100 million hryvnias as the alternative, Suspilne reported. His release conditions include staying in Kyiv, wearing an electronic monitor and complying with other restrictions.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) said the investigation concerns an alleged criminal organization involving at least 12 people. The agencies said alleged activities included scams targeting Ukrainians and people abroad, drug sales, counterfeiting, assaults and kidnappings. They allege corrupt connections with law-enforcement officials helped protect illegal businesses.
NABU and SAPO said five people were notified of suspicion on Nov. 5. Suspilne identified Duka as the former first deputy head of an SBU department and reported that, after leaving that post, he remained in SBU service. Duka told the broadcaster he had no connection to call centers and opposed drugs.
Ukrainska Pravda, citing its sources, reported that 1,612 payments went toward the bail. The court has not publicly identified the contributors. Duka remains a suspect, and the allegations have not been established by a court verdict.
