Anticorrupção unveils large criminal network in “Cártago” operation
Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities said they had uncovered a large criminal organization during the “Карфаген” operation. The network allegedly ran fraudulent call centres, trafficked drugs, produced counterfeit euros and commissioned attacks, with senior security and police officials suspected of protecting it. Several senior officials were detained, while alleged cartel leader Yegor Burkin remains wanted and reportedly hiding in Mexico.
Pontos principais
- NABU and SAP disclosed the operation on 4 November.
- Serhiy Duka was detained on 4 November after detectives arrived to search his premises.
- NABU said Duka obstructed investigators and threatened them with a weapon.
- The organization allegedly operated fraudulent call centres, trafficked drugs, produced counterfeit euros and commissioned attacks.
- The network included at least 12 people and was allegedly protected by senior law-enforcement officials.
- Yegor Burkin is on Ukraine’s wanted list and has been subject to personal sanctions since December 2023.
- Journalists identified “Акім” as Major General Serhiy Duka and “Кримінал” as Andriy Osipov.
Porque é importante
The allegations suggest that fraud, drug trafficking, counterfeiting and violence were operated through a network allegedly shielded by influential officials. The detention of senior SBU and National Police personnel therefore raises questions about oversight and possible official involvement in organised crime. The alleged leader of the transnational “Хімпром” cartel remains wanted and is reported to be hiding in Mexico.
O que aconteceu
On 4 November, Ukraine’s National Agency on Corruption Prevention and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office announced the exposure of a large criminal organisation during the “Карфаген” operation. According to investigators, the group ran fraudulent call centres, trafficked drugs, manufactured counterfeit euros and organised attacks on people, and also engaged in the illicit production of cigarettes and foreign currency.
Como o descrevem as fontes ucranianas
The Ukrainian account centres on the scale of the organisation, its alleged links to senior officials, the identification of participants previously known only by pseudonyms and the detention of senior SBU and National Police personnel. Investigators say “Хімпром” expanded its activities after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion with the support of influential Ukrainian law-enforcement officials. The investigation also points to alleged links with Russian intelligence services.
Contexto
The SBU previously reported a 2023 operation against “Хімпром”, which resulted in the detention of 89 drug traffickers and the dismantling of drug laboratories. The SBU linked the cartel to Russian intelligence services, while an audio recording cited in the investigation refers to cooperation with FSB representatives. Investigators estimate that the organisation continued expanding after the beginning of the full-scale invasion.