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Ukraine's chief prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko resigned after corruption allegations involving illegal call centres. Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators conducted a search of his offices over the weekend, uncovering a money-laundering scheme allegedly led by an official in his office. The scheme involved receiving money to protect call centres that carried out phone scams and laundering millions in assets, which were then used to buy property, jewellery, and other valuables, according to Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu).
Kravchenko’s resignation letter stated he did not want his position to be used for political confrontation, referencing earlier claims as unsubstantiated. Corruption scandals have long plagued Kyiv, with accusations against members of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle. Despite the creation of anti-corruption bodies Nabu and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) over a decade ago, corruption remains a persistent issue. In 2025, nationwide protests erupted after Zelensky attempted reforms to limit Nabu and Sap’s independence, prompting EU partners to express alarm over Ukraine’s EU integration prospects.
Recent revelations include a scheme misappropriating over $3 million in Ukrainian currency to pay bail for a former energy minister accused of money laundering. A senior official in Zelensky’s office involved in the scheme was later sacked. Former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov questioned Zelensky’s awareness of corruption within his inner circle, stating, ‘Let him answer this question... I believe he’s ready for such questions. It’s his responsibility to tell us all whether he was aware of all that or not.’
Kravchenko, who led anti-corruption efforts, denied personal involvement in corruption but acknowledged no direct orders from Zelensky that violated laws or integrity principles during his tenure.
Source: BBC
