A scheme of extortion for 'combat' payments was uncovered in Kharkiv region: three officers were suspected
In Kharkiv region, law enforcement officers have notified three officials of the army corps, whom the investigation considers involved in organizing a scheme to receive money from servicemen for inclusion in reports for additional rewards for performing combat or special tasks.
According to the Kharkiv Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the defense sector of the Eastern region, suspicions were announced to the head of logistics — deputy commander of the corps, head of the logistics department of the headquarters, and an officer of the organizational-planning logistics department.
According to the investigation, servicemen were entered into official documents as those who performed combat or special tasks, which justified the accrual of additional rewards. In return, money was demanded from subordinates for inclusion in the respective reports.
The investigation believes that the scheme was organized in December 2025 by the head of logistics — deputy commander of the corps, involving two subordinates.
According to law enforcement, in February 2026, the head of the logistics department, following the leader's instructions, required a subordinate officer to systematically transfer money for including himself and other servicemen in reports for additional rewards known as 'combat'.
The investigation claims that refusal to transfer money could have had negative consequences for servicemen during their service.
Law enforcement officers note that on March 23, one of the suspects received 40 thousand hryvnias for including soldiers in reports for additional rewards for February. Later, according to the investigation, he demanded another 36 thousand hryvnias for March and also instructed to collect 154 thousand hryvnias from other servicemen.
In total, according to the investigation, on April 29, 190 thousand hryvnias of illicit benefits were received in the official office.
On May 28, the officials were detained after receiving another 44 thousand hryvnias. The total amount of money currently charged to the suspects is 274 thousand hryvnias.
During searches at the residences of the suspects, in vehicles, and on the territory of the military corps, law enforcement seized documentation regarding the accrual and payment of additional rewards, rough notes, computer equipment, mobile phones, a tablet, as well as 343 thousand hryvnias, 9,900 US dollars, and 80 euros.
Three officials were notified of suspicion of receiving illicit benefits. The court chose preventive measures in the form of detention with the alternative of bail. According to law enforcement, the suspects took advantage of the opportunity to post bail.
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