Top security official released on $1.4 million bail in major corruption case

Serhiy Duka, a senior Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) official, was released from detention on 13 November after posting Hr 65 million ($1.43 million) bail. He is charged with complicity in organised crime as part of Operation Carthage, a major investigation into an alleged criminal network with links to scam call centres and other illicit activity.

Investigators say Duka advised alleged network leader Andrii Osipov on avoiding detection and connected him with senior law enforcement officials; Duka denies wrongdoing. Five people have been charged, including senior police and SBU officers. Authorities allege the network also trafficked drugs, made counterfeit currency and intimidated critics. Prosecutors say Duka smashed phones and storage devices while detectives were trying to search the house where he was staying.