Criminal Case Launched Against Ukraine's Defense Minister Umerov

In Ukraine, a criminal investigation has been initiated against Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The case involves potential misuse of power or abuse of official position, reports NewsBox.

Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have initiated criminal proceedings regarding Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. This was reported by local media, including Suspilne and Interfax-Ukraine, citing information from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

The Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC) has stated that the investigation is focused on potential violations by the minister that fall under the statute related to misuse of power or abuse of official position. However, NABU has not yet disclosed details of the investigation, including Umerov's legal status or the reasons for initiating the case.

On January 24, the Defense Minister initiated a review of the Defense Procurement Agency – an entity responsible for supplying arms to the Ukrainian army. As part of the investigation, he suspended the agency's head, Maryna Bezrukova, although the supervisory board had previously extended her contract for a year.

According to Suspilne, Umerov suspects that the agency has been purchasing military equipment at inflated prices.