Ukrainian military psychiatrist arrested on charges of corruption in the amount of 1 million dollars

Ukraine has detained its army’s chief psychiatrist on charges of “illegal enrichment” linked to more than $1m (£813,000) in profits amassed since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion.

The statement of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) states that the man was a member of the commission that decided whether individuals were suitable for military service.

The SBU statement did not mention his name, but earlier a man named Oleg Druz was named as the chief psychiatrist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The SBU said he owned three flats in or near Kiev, one in Odessa, two plots of land and several luxury BMW cars, while investigators also found $152,000 (£124,000) and €34,000 during a search of his home. in cash.

The statement notes that the man did not declare the property that was registered to his wife, daughter, sons and other third parties.

He now faces ten years in prison on charges of illegal enrichment and false declaration.

A friend was involved in a similar case in 2017 when he failed to declare two SUVs and several items of property, which led to a suspension.

Ukraine has been struggling with endemic corruption for a long time.

In May, a Ukrainian MP was accused of embezzling £220,000, and in 2023, more than 30 conscription officers accused of taking bribes and smuggling people out of the country were fired in an anti-corruption purge.

Last year, the Ukrainian parliament voted to abolish military medical commissions after several officials were accused of accepting bribes in exchange for exemption from military service.