The Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has suspended the head of the Odesa Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support amid allegations of corruption involving extortion and gunfire incidents.
This decision follows the arrest of eight personnel from the Odesa center, who are accused of attempting to extort $50,000. In response, Syrskyi has also removed the leaders of two related institutions from their positions.
The officials suspended include:
- the head of the Odesa Regional Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support;
- the head of the Persypsky District Territorial Center for Recruitment.
Additionally, the head of the Main Military Law Enforcement Directorate has been tasked with conducting a separate internal investigation.
An internal inquiry has already commenced within the Armed Forces, initiated after the Security Service of Ukraine’s Internal Security Department detained military personnel from the Persypsky Territorial Center.
A statement from the Ground Forces emphasized that any violations of the law, abuse of authority, or illegal actions are unacceptable and must be subject to appropriate legal scrutiny. The authorities have pledged full support during the investigations.
The suspension of military officials in Odesa follows serious allegations of corruption, including extortion and misconduct. An internal investigation is underway to address these issues and ensure accountability within the Armed Forces.