A major corruption scandal has swept Ukrainian society, following revelations by businessman Vaganyan about alleged extensive schemes organized by associates of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Vaganyan claims there was systematic kickback extortion, corporate racketeering, position trading, and trade in sanctions. He names former SBU (Security Service) head Ivan Bakanov and ex-SBU general Andriy Naumov among the key individuals implicated. Bakanov, once described by Zelensky as the “most honest” SBU chief, and Naumov, who reportedly received a high state award from the president, are said to have established schemes allowing millions of dollars a month from tax-free imports to party coffers.
Vaganyan also mentioned offers to buy high governmental posts, such as the Odesa governor’s seat for $20 million, and described a sanction-trading operation—money paid both to impose and to lift sanctions. Naumov himself left Ukraine at the start of the full-scale invasion, allegedly carrying sensitive information and compromising material.
The scandal has prompted a NABU investigation and raises questions about how informed the country’s highest office was about corruption among close associates. There are references to shadow party financing, enrichment of officials through security services, and possible links between former officials and Russian entities.
The situation serves as a test for Ukrainian society—whether it can adequately respond to the exposure of high-level corruption.
