The National Anti-Corruption Bureau confirmed conducting searches at the head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv region, Andriy Rubel, as part of Operation "Carthage". At the same time, the law enforcement officer has not been notified of suspicion.
The head of NABU's detective unit, Oleksandr Abakumov, told about this in an interview for the "UP Chat" project on the YouTube channel of "Ukrainska Pravda".
"He has not been charged, but searches were indeed conducted", Abakumov stated.
According to the detective, the grounds for the investigative actions were a check of possible inaction by law enforcement officers that could have facilitated the functioning of a criminal group.
Abakumov explained that the investigation is examining actions that, in the detectives' opinion, may have been aimed at ignoring crimes committed by members of the organization.
At the same time, the head of NABU's unit did not provide specific episodes of Rubel's possible involvement in illegal activities. His procedural status has not changed at the moment - the official has not been notified of suspicion.
Over 70 searches as part of Operation "Carthage"
According to Abakumov, the searches at the Kyiv region police chief were part of a large-scale operation during which NABU detectives conducted over 70 investigative actions in various regions of Ukraine.
In particular, searches were conducted at representatives of the National Police, the Security Service of Ukraine, the prosecutor's office, and judicial institutions. Currency exchange points were also checked, which, according to the investigation, were used to legalize funds from drug trafficking and the activities of fraudulent call centers.
As part of this operation, two employees of the National Police were detained. One of them held a leadership position in the Department of Strategic Investigations, the other worked in the Kyiv region police.
According to Abakumov, the Kyiv region police officer is suspected of involvement in the production of counterfeit euros and ensuring the getaway of a group that committed torture.
Meanwhile, Andriy Rubel previously headed the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police from October 2022 to April 2026. After that, he was appointed head of the Kyiv region police.
Investigation alleges a large-scale corruption network
Recall that on November 5, NABU and SAP reported suspicion against five members of a criminal organization exposed as part of Operation "Carthage".
According to the investigation, the group involved high-ranking officials of the SBU, the National Police, and the Prosecutor General's Office, as well as representatives of the criminal environment, in its activities.
Law enforcement believes that members of the organization ensured the unhindered operation of fraudulent call centers, drug trafficking, production of counterfeit cigarettes and counterfeit currency.
In addition, the investigation is checking the group's involvement in kidnappings, torture, and other violent crimes.
According to preliminary NABU data, the organization consisted of at least 12 people. Anti-corruption agencies continue to establish other possible participants in the illegal activities.
Despite the searches, Andriy Rubel is not among the five individuals who were notified of suspicion on November 5. The fact of conducting investigative actions does not prove the official's involvement in crimes.
