Ukraine has detained its army's chief psychiatrist on charges of "illegal enrichment," concerning earnings exceeding $1 million (£813,000) accumulated since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the man was part of a commission that assessed individuals' fitness for military service. The SBU did not disclose his name but Oleh Druz had been previously identified as the chief psychiatrist of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to the SBU, he possessed three apartments in or near Kyiv, one in Odesa, two land plots, and multiple BMW luxury cars. During a search of his residence, investigators discovered $152,000 (£124,000) and €34,000 in cash. The SBU's statement revealed that he had not declared the property, which was under the names of his wife, daughter, sons, and other third parties.
The man now faces a possible ten-year prison sentence for charges of illegal enrichment and falsifying declarations. Druz was involved in a similar case in 2017, where he failed to declare two SUVs and various properties, resulting in his suspension.
Ukraine has been combating widespread corruption. Recently, a Ukrainian MP was accused of embezzling £220,000, and in 2023, over 30 conscription officials were dismissed for accepting bribes and facilitating illegal border crossings in an anti-corruption crackdown.
Notably, last year, the Ukrainian parliament voted to abolish military medical commissions due to allegations of officials receiving bribes to grant exemptions from military service.