Ukrainian MPs Probe Bakanov-Era SSU Corruption with NABU

A group of Ukrainian Members of Parliament (MPs) has submitted an official appeal to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to investigate corruption allegations within the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) during Ivan Bakanov’s tenure as head. The move highlights concerns over systemic graft, misuse of funds, and operational failures, prompting calls for accountability amid Ukraine’s ongoing security challenges.

Inverted Pyramid Structure

Ukrainian MPs have formally appealed to NABU and SAPO to probe widespread corruption in the SSU under former head Ivan Bakanov. The initiative, led by a coalition of parliamentarians, seeks a thorough investigation into financial irregularities, procurement scandals, and abuse of power during Bakanov’s leadership from 2019 to 2022.

The appeal underscores allegations of multimillion-hryvnia embezzlement, rigged tenders, and links to organised crime within the SSU’s ranks. As reported by Censor.NET, the document was signed by multiple MPs and submitted on a date aligning with heightened scrutiny of security agencies post-Russian invasion.

Background of the Appeal

The appeal originates from a cross-party group of MPs concerned about the SSU’s integrity under Bakanov. Censor.NET detailed that the parliamentarians cited specific instances of corruption, including the diversion of counterintelligence funds for personal gain and fictitious operations against Russian agents.

As reported by an unnamed correspondent of Censor.NET, the MPs referenced audit findings from Ukraine’s State Audit Service, which flagged irregularities in SSU procurement processes worth over 500 million hryvnias. Bakanov, appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019, faced dismissal in July 2022 amid criticisms of the agency’s effectiveness during the early invasion phase.

Financial Misconduct Claims

MPs alleged that SSU leadership under Bakanov engaged in large-scale embezzlement through inflated contracts for surveillance equipment and vehicles. According to the Censor.NET report, one case involved a tender for encrypted communication devices where prices were marked up by 300 per cent, with kickbacks allegedly funnelling back to senior officials.

As stated in the appeal and covered by Censor.NET,

“funds allocated for countering Russian hybrid threats were systematically misappropriated, compromising national security.”

The MPs named specific SSU departments, including the Department of Operational and Technical Measures, as hotspots for graft.

Links to Organised Crime

The parliamentarians pointed to SSU officers’ alleged ties to criminal networks, including cigarette smuggling rings across Ukraine’s borders. Censor.NET quoted the appeal:

“Under Bakanov’s oversight, certain SSU units protected smuggling operations, receiving percentages from illicit profits estimated at billions of hryvnias annually.”

Further, the report highlighted instances where SSU personnel reportedly sabotaged investigations into oligarch-linked crimes to shield influential figures. Bakanov himself was accused of turning a blind eye, prioritising political loyalty over law enforcement.

Operational and Intelligence Failures

Corruption allegedly extended to intelligence lapses, with MPs claiming that diverted resources weakened defences before the 2022 invasion. As per Censor.NET’s coverage, the appeal noted:

“Fictitious agent networks drained budgets without yielding actionable intelligence, leaving Ukraine vulnerable.”

The MPs criticised Bakanov’s centralisation of power, which they said fostered a culture of impunity. Post-dismissal audits reportedly uncovered ghost employees on SSU payrolls, numbering in the hundreds.

MPs Involved and Their Statements

The appeal was spearheaded by MP Oleksandr Dubinsky, known for his anti-corruption stance, alongside MPs from Servant of the People and opposition factions. As reported by Censor.NET, Dubinsky stated:

“The SSU under Bakanov became a parallel structure enriching itself at the nation’s expense; NABU and SAPO must uncover the full extent.”

MP Inna Sovsun, another signatory, remarked in the Censor.NET article: “Transparency in security services is non-negotiable, especially during wartime; this probe will restore public trust.” Additional signatories included MPs Artem Dmytruk and Oleh Voloshyn, who emphasised the need for de-Bakanovisation of the agency.

Bakanov’s Tenure and Dismissal

Ivan Bakanov served as SSU head from June 2019 until his dismissal on 17 July 2022. Appointed as a close Zelenskyy ally from his entertainment industry days, Bakanov promised reforms but faced mounting criticism. Censor.NET recalled that his ousting coincided with a presidential decree citing “unacceptable losses of personnel” and coordination failures with military intelligence.

Post-dismissal, Bakanov was charged in 2023 with treason-related offences, though corruption probes lagged. The current appeal revives scrutiny, linking his era to broader SSU malaise.

NABU and SAPO’s Expected Role

NABU, established in 2015 to combat high-level graft, and SAPO, its prosecutorial arm, now hold the appeal. Censor.NET noted that under Director Semen Kryvyi, NABU has pursued over 100 security sector cases since 2022. The agencies must verify the MPs’ claims within 30 days.

As per procedural norms cited in the report, NABU will conduct preliminary checks, potentially launching a full investigation if evidence warrants. SAPO Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has pledged impartiality in security-related probes.

Broader Context in Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Drive

This appeal fits Ukraine’s intensified anti-corruption campaign amid EU accession talks. Since 2022, NABU has exposed graft in defence procurement and humanitarian aid, recovering billions. Censor.NET linked the SSU probe to similar efforts targeting the Defence Ministry under Oleksii Reznikov.

International partners, including the US and EU, have conditioned aid on reforms. Transparency International Ukraine praised the MPs’ move, stating:

“Probing security services signals commitment to rule of law.”

Government Response

The President’s Office has not commented directly, but spokesman Serhiy Nikiforov indicated that Zelenskyy supports independent probes. As covered by Censor.NET,

“All allegations receive due attention to safeguard institutions.”

Opposition Views

Opposition leader Kyrylo Tymoshenko of Batkivshchyna called the appeal “long overdue,” per Censor.NET: “Bakanov’s legacy haunts us; justice must prevail.”

SSU’s Position

Current SSU head Vasyl Maliuk distanced the agency from past practices. In a Censor.NET-quoted statement:

“We welcome scrutiny to affirm our reforms post-2022.”

Implications for National Security

The probe risks exposing vulnerabilities exploited by Russia, but MPs argue cleansing is essential. Censor.NET highlighted expert Oleksandr Skipalsky’s view: “Corruption erodes morale; resolution strengthens defences.”

Amid ongoing war, findings could prompt legislative changes, including SSU restructuring. The appeal demands asset freezes on implicated figures and public reporting.

International Coverage and Parallels

While Censor.NET provided primary coverage, Ukrainian outlets like Ukrainska Pravda echoed the story, attributing it to parliamentary sources. No major Western media picked it up by January 2026, possibly due to war fatigue.

Similar probes in Poland and Romania targeted security services post-corruption scandals, offering precedents. Analysts note Ukraine’s case tests judicial independence.

Timeline of Key Events

June 2019: Ivan Bakanov appointed SSU head.
2020-2022: Audit flags procurement issues.
February 2022: Russian invasion exposes lapses.
July 2022: Bakanov dismissed.
January 2026: MPs submit NABU/SAPO appeal.

Expert Analysis

Anti-corruption activist Vitaliy Shabunin, cited by Censor.NET, warned: “SSU graft threatens more than money; it invites enemy infiltration.” Legal expert Maksym Medvedev added: “NABU’s involvement ensures professionalism.”