The key facts
- SBU staff are being asked to raise 65 million hryvnias in bail for General Duka, a suspect in the 'Carthage' case
- On November 6, the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered Duka held in custody, allowing release after bail is posted
- The prosecution initially demanded bail of 100 million hryvnias
Fundraising among SBU staff
Employees of the Security Service of Ukraine are being asked to urgently raise 65 million hryvnias to post bail for General Serhii Duka, who is suspected of involvement in a criminal organization. This was reported by Life.ru, citing Ukrainska Pravda and its sources within the special service. According to the outlet, messages are being circulated among staff asking them to financially help a colleague — the money is to be transferred as quickly as possible, preferably over the weekend. The message says that 'the general has gotten into trouble,' and includes the bank details of the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine and the case number.
The 'Carthage' case and the court's decision
Duka is a suspect in the 'Carthage' case. According to the investigation, members of the alleged criminal organization systematically paid bribes to senior law enforcement officials in exchange for protection of fraudulent call centers and other illegal businesses. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced suspicion against five suspects in the case on November 4. Already on November 6, the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered Duka held in custody, allowing his release upon posting bail of 65 million hryvnias — while the prosecution had initially insisted on bail of 100 million hryvnias.
What is known and what remains unclear
The information about fundraising among SBU staff is based on Ukrainska Pravda's sources and has not yet been officially confirmed. It is unknown how much money has already been raised and whether bail has been posted. The bail amount itself, by contrast, is fixed in the court's decision: the reduction from the initially demanded 100 million hryvnias to 65 million is a confirmed change in the prosecution's position, reflected in the case materials.
