Ukrainian officials held in drone procurement corruption probe

The anti-corruption bodies did not identify the detainees, but said a Ukrainian politician, local district and city officials, and National Guard servicemen were involved

The bribery scheme was related to the procurement of drones and other military equipment. Picture: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies say they have uncovered a major bribery scheme involving inflated military procurement contracts.

In a joint statement published on social media, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) said the suspects had taken bribes in a scheme that used state funds to buy drones and other military equipment at inflated prices.