SBU dismisses two employees and launches internal probe over 'Carthage' case

Security service reaction to investigation

The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the conduct of an internal review regarding the facts outlined in the materials of the "Carthage" case. The agency informed journalists from the "Skhemy" project (Radio Svoboda) in response to their inquiry.

“Наразі двоє посадовців Служби, які фігурували у розслідуванні НАБУ та САП, звільнені з займаних посад. Також СБУ розпочала внутрішню перевірку за фактами, про які йдеться у матеріалах справи "Карфаген"» (Currently, two SBU officials who were featured in the NABU and SAP investigation have been dismissed from their positions. The SBU has also launched an internal review based on the facts mentioned in the materials of the 'Carthage' case), the security service stated.

SBU representatives emphasised full support for the investigation and active cooperation with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. However, the agency did not specify when the review started or which specific individuals are involved in it.

Access to the 'Bezpechne misto' system

Journalists also inquired about the possible use of the "Bezpechne misto" video surveillance system by SBU employees. According to NABU and SAP data, in July 2026, members of the criminal group were preparing an attack on a man near one of the sports clubs in Kyiv. During the preparation, they received real-time photographs and the geolocation of the future victim's car.

The images published by the anti-corruption bureau bear markings indicating that access to the cameras was made through the account of an employee of the SBU Department for the Protection of National Security.

The security service did not disclose whether the identity of this employee has been established or whether any measures have been taken against them. Questions also remained unanswered regarding whether the leadership was aware of such actions before the NABU information was published and how similar access to the system was blocked.

The SBU explained that it cannot disclose this information due to the secrecy of the pre-trial investigation. It also emphasised that the case is under the jurisdiction of the NABU, and the security service is not authorised to provide information about investigations by other law enforcement agencies.

Question regarding Major General Duka

A separate issue became the possible internal investigation regarding a major general, known on the recordings published by the NABU under the pseudonym "Akim". According to journalists, this is likely Serhiy Duka — the former First Deputy Head of the SBU Department for the Protection of National Security. He is suspected of establishing a criminal organisation or leading it using his official position.

According to NABU and SAP information, "Akim" assisted the group's organiser, known as "Kryminal" (likely Andriy Osipov). Thanks to this, the latter was able to obtain data on other people from databases, including those who were tortured, as well as certificates from criminal proceedings. There was also mention of assistance in "settling matters" with courts and lifting arrests.

In response to questions about a possible internal investigation regarding Duka, the SBU did not answer. It was previously reported that the full bail amount of 65 million hryvnia was paid for him. Radio Svoboda was informed of this by the press service of the Higher Anti-Corruption Court. On 13 November, Duka was released from custody.

Details of the 'Carthage' case

On 4 November, the NABU and SAP announced the exposure of a criminal group within the framework of the "Carthage" operation. According to the investigation, it included at least 12 individuals. The participants were engaged in call centre activities, drug sales, and the production of counterfeit foreign currency.

Law enforcement officials claim that the group was protected by employees of the SBU, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the National Police. Detectives name a three-time convicted man nicknamed "Kryminal", likely Andriy Osipov, as the organiser of the group. According to the investigation, he was responsible for ensuring cover within law enforcement agencies and passed bribes to them.

According to NABU and SAP data, the services of such "protection" cost seven thousand dollars per month from one call centre. In total, the group members coordinated the activities of 52 such establishments.

Subsequently, five suspects were notified of suspicion of establishing a criminal organisation, leading it, or participating in it. Andriy Osipov is additionally charged with providing undue advantage, torture, manufacturing and selling counterfeit money, as well as the legalisation of property obtained by criminal means.

Another suspect, who, according to the investigation, was a subordinate of the organiser, is also charged with torture. This is likely Vitaliy Rybalka, nicknamed "Boxer".