Battalion commander in the Zaporizhzhia direction suspected of extorting money from subordinate servicemen
Kyiv • UNN
A battalion commander in the Zaporizhzhia region demanded 200,000 hryvnias monthly from subordinates in exchange for loyalty. He was detained while receiving a bribe.
A battalion commander of a military unit in the Zaporizhzhia direction has been notified of suspicion for receiving an unlawful benefit combined with extortion. According to the investigation, he demanded money from subordinates for "loyal treatment." This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to UNN.
Details
According to the investigation, the lieutenant colonel organized a scheme to obtain funds from the commanders of subordinate units. They were required to transfer 200,000 hryvnias to him every month.
The arrangement was that the battalion commander would not conduct inspections, initiate internal investigations, or apply disciplinary sanctions that could cause the military personnel to lose additional payments.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers documented two episodes of receiving money.
According to the prosecutor's office, on April 2, 2026, the suspect received 200,000 hryvnias from a subordinate.
On May 4, 2026, he was detained while receiving another 200,000 hryvnias.
The total amount of the documented unlawful benefit is 400,000 hryvnias
Prosecutors have filed a motion with the court to select a preventive measure in the form of detention and to suspend the suspect from his position.