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Ukraine Launches Probe into Ex-Border Chief's Bribery Scandal

1/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on January 22, 2026, an investigation into Serhiy Deineko, the former head of the State Border Guard, for bribe-linked cigarette smuggling.
Investigators found at least 204,000 euros were paid to facilitate smuggling into the EU using vehicles with fake diplomatic plates.
Additionally, the campaign has implicated a former aide to President Zelenskyy and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in separate corruption cases.

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Story summary

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on January 22, 2026, an investigation into Serhiy Deineko, the former head of the State Border Guard, for bribe-linked cigarette smuggling.
Investigators found at least 204,000 euros were paid to facilitate smuggling into the EU using vehicles with fake diplomatic plates.
Additionally, the campaign has implicated a former aide to President Zelenskyy and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in separate corruption cases.