Key facts
- Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko resigned on September 7.
- The resignation followed a corruption scandal involving alleged scam call center protection rackets.
- NABU detectives exposed the scheme, leading to searches at Kravchenko's office and the detention of a top prosecutor.
- Kravchenko's deputy, Maria Vdovychenko, also resigned.
- Evidence released by NABU suggests Kravchenko's involvement, including recordings referring to a 'boss' with matching patronymics and prior roles.
Ukraine's Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko resigned on September 7, 2026, following a corruption scandal that involved alleged protection rackets for scam call centers operating from the Prosecutor General's Office. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) exposed the scheme, leading to searches at Kravchenko's office and the detention of Serhii Kropyva, a deputy head of the international cooperation department and alleged confidant of Kravchenko.
Kropyva was charged with organized crime and laundering Hr 90 million ($2 million). Searches also occurred at the offices of Kravchenko and his senior deputy Maria Vdovychenko, though they were not charged. Vdovychenko resigned on September 8.
Evidence released by NABU, including recordings, points to Kravchenko's alleged involvement. The recordings refer to a "boss" whose patronymic and prior role align with Kravchenko. A former employee of the Prosecutor General's Office stated that such extensive corruption would be impossible without the prosecutor general's knowledge or involvement.
Kravchenko's home, reportedly repaired by individuals linked to the scheme, was not included in his latest asset declaration. He stated he would declare it in his 2026 disclosure, with expenses needing to exceed Hr 166,400 ($3,748) to require declaration.
Kravchenko's handling of the fallout, including initial denial of searches at his office, was criticized as "amateurish and deeply unprofessional." Some lawmakers within President Zelensky's party had grown concerned about Kravchenko's "negative baggage," fearing it could spill over onto Zelensky. Discussions had begun within the parliamentary faction to collect signatures for his resignation.
Kravchenko resigned after a meeting with President Zelensky, parliamentary leader David Arakhamia, NABU Chief Semen Kryvonos, and SAPO Chief Oleksandr Klymenko. Anti-corruption activists and some lawmakers argue that replacing Kravchenko with another loyalist will not solve systemic issues and advocate for a transparent selection process and thorough reform of the prosecutorial system.