On November 4, NABU detectives and SAP prosecutors conducted searches at high-ranking officials of the Security Service of Ukraine. During one of the investigative actions, according to the anti-corruption bureau, an SBU official threatened the detectives with the use of firearms and obstructed the search. On the same day, NABU reported new exposures within Operation 'Carthage', which, according to the investigation, involved officials of the SBU, the National Police and the Prosecutor General's Office. The National Police has already suspended the employees regarding whom procedural measures were taken.
The circumstances of the morning investigative actions were reported by NABU.
According to the bureau, detectives arrived to conduct a search based on the ruling of the investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court. However, one of the high-ranking SBU officials did not allow them to the place of investigative actions and threatened to use firearms.
In addition, employees of a special SBU unit arrived at the search site. The anti-corruption bureau stated that such actions impede the performance of the lawful procedural duties of detectives.
According to 'Ukrainska Pravda', citing sources in law enforcement agencies, the SBU general Serhiy Duka, first deputy head of the Department for Protection of National Statehood, is involved.
The publication also reported searches at the head of the SBU Main Directorate of Internal Security, Colonel Anton Kravchuk, and the first deputy head of the Main Directorate 'D' of the Department for Protection of National Statehood, Oleksandr Kovalchuk.
NABU did not officially name the official who, according to the bureau, obstructed the search, nor did it disclose the circumstances of investigative actions regarding other SBU employees.
Separately, on November 4, NABU and SAP reported new exposures within Operation 'Carthage', related to the alleged protection of fraudulent call centers.
According to the anti-corruption bodies, members of the criminal organization systematically provided improper benefits to high-ranking law enforcement officials for the unimpeded operation of fraudulent call centers and other illegal enterprises.
According to the investigation, current high-ranking officials of the SBU, the National Police, the Prosecutor General's Office, and representatives of the criminal environment were involved in the unlawful activity.
Thus, journalistic sources link the morning searches with the 'Carthage' investigation. At the same time, NABU has not publicly confirmed Duka's involvement in this scheme and has not specified whether all searches of SBU employees are conducted within one criminal proceeding.
After NABU reported, the National Police of Ukraine announced the suspension of employees regarding whom procedural measures were taken.
As reported by the National Police press service, the relevant decision was made by the leadership of the agency. The police officers were suspended from their duties for the duration of the internal investigation.
The National Police stated that they cooperate with NABU's investigative actions. At the same time, the agency called for refraining from premature conclusions until the completion of a comprehensive and objective investigation and the adoption of relevant decisions.
The number of suspended employees, their positions and possible procedural role in the case were not specified by the police. The suspension itself during the internal investigation does not mean establishing guilt.
The Security Service of Ukraine also published its position. As noted by the SBU press service, on the morning of November 4, NABU and SAP conducted searches of employees of the special service within several criminal proceedings on the basis of relevant court rulings.
The SBU stated that they stand for an objective and impartial investigation and assist in procedural actions.
At the same time, the special service did not comment on NABU's specific report about threats to use firearms during one of the searches.
Operation 'Carthage' has been ongoing since September 2026. Previously, NABU and SAP reported exposing a criminal organization which, according to the investigation, was led by an official of the Prosecutor General's Office. Its members are suspected of receiving bribes for non-interference in the work of fraudulent call centers and laundering of illegally obtained funds.
Currently, the anti-corruption bodies continue to establish possible participants in the scheme. The guilt of specific individuals can only be established by a court conviction.
Based on materials: NABU, Ukrainska Pravda, SBU, National Police of Ukraine
