Ukraine Officials Accused of Demanding $1 Million for Unhindered Drone Supply

A State Border Guard Service official and a businessman are facing new suspicions of corruption in Ukraine. NABU and SAPO reported that they had been demanding $1 million from a drone manufacturer in exchange for allowing them to conclude a contract and accept the supplied equipment without interference.

The investigation began in August 2025, when the winning company was awarded a tender despite a competitor who had connections with border guards expecting to win. The competitor then approached the State Border Guard Service official and demanded $1 million in exchange for allowing them to conclude the contract.

The official allegedly received illegal income over a long period and concealed it in cryptocurrency. Between January and April 2026, he transferred over 15.4 million hryvnias into Tether (USDT). The investigators found that part of these assets was converted into cash and used to purchase a Mercedes-Benz GLC 300.