The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained the country's chief army psychiatrist on charges of "illegal enrichment," a case that highlights Ukraine's ongoing struggle with endemic corruption. The psychiatrist, previously identified as Oleh Druz, faces accusations of failing to declare numerous properties and significant cash assets. The SBU's investigation revealed cash holdings of $152,000 (£124,000) and €34,000 in his residence, alongside ownership of various properties and luxury vehicles.
Oleh Druz's properties include three apartments in or near Kyiv, another in Odesa, two plots of land, and several BMW cars. The assets implicated in the investigation were reportedly registered under the names of his wife, daughter, sons, and other third parties. This case is not Druz's first brush with controversy; in 2017, he faced similar accusations for failing to declare two SUVs and several properties, leading to his suspension.
Druz served on a commission responsible for determining individuals' fitness for military service. His arrest follows a broader crackdown on corruption within Ukraine's military framework, underscored by a parliamentary decision last year to dismantle military medical commissions amid allegations of bribery. This move came after more than 30 conscription officials faced dismissal in 2023 as part of an anti-corruption purge targeting bribery and smuggling activities.
The charges against Druz involve an alleged accumulation of more than $1 million (£813,000) since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022. This high-profile case reflects the broader challenges Ukraine faces in rooting out corruption within its ranks. The SBU's statement on the matter did not explicitly name him; however, prior communications confirmed his identity as Oleh Druz.
Ukraine's fight against corruption extends beyond the military sector; in May, a Ukrainian Member of Parliament was charged with embezzling £220,000. Such cases underscore the persistent nature of corruption within the nation and the government's ongoing efforts to address these systemic issues.