Ukrainian Chief Prosecutor Resigns Amid Call‑Centre Corruption Probe

Ukrainian chief prosecutor resigns after anti‑corruption search

Ukraine’s chief prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko resigned following searches of his offices by the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) over alleged corruption linked to illegal call centres.

Authorities said investigators identified a money‑laundering scheme within Kravchenko’s office that involved protecting call centres conducting phone scams and laundering millions of assets, which were then used to purchase property, jewellery and other valuables.

Kravchenko denied the allegations as “completely unsubstantiated” in a statement and said he did not want his position to be used as a “tool for political confrontation.” He thanked President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian parliament for their trust when tendering his resignation.

NABU and SAP described the network as receiving payments in exchange for protection of the scam call centres. Officials also reported a separate uncovering of more than $3m misappropriated in Ukrainian currency to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering, and a senior official in the president’s office alleged to be involved was dismissed.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available statements indicate investigators allege a money‑laundering and protection scheme tied to call centres operating scams, with funds diverted into assets. Kravchenko has publicly rejected the accusations and resigned, citing concerns about politicisation. Ukrainian anti‑corruption bodies NABU and SAP have led the probe and reported financial flows and asset purchases connected to the alleged network.

Former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, speaking to the BBC, said President Zelensky should address questions about awareness of corruption within his team but did not present evidence tying the president personally to wrongdoing. Fedorov also stated he had not received any unlawful directives from Zelensky during his tenure.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Ruslan Kravchenko resigned after NABU and SAP searched his offices over alleged protection of scam call centres.
• Investigators say a money‑laundering scheme channelled payments to buy property, jewellery and other valuables.
• Kravchenko denied wrongdoing and cited politicisation when submitting his resignation.