Ukrainian authorities have arrested the chief psychiatrist of the Armed Forces on allegations of illegal enrichment, accusing him of amassing over $1 million in assets since the start of the war with Russia. The doctor was a member of a commission responsible for determining whether men were fit for military service.
The suspect’s name has not been disclosed, but previously, Oleh Druz had been identified as the Armed Forces’ chief psychiatrist.
During a search of his home, officials discovered $152,000 and €34,000 in cash. According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the suspect has acquired a house in the Obukhiv district, two apartments in Kyiv, one in Odesa, two plots of land, and four BMW luxury vehicles since 2022. These properties were reportedly registered under the names of his wife, daughter, sons, and other third parties.
These findings have resulted in charges of "illegal enrichment" and "declaration of false information." If convicted, the doctor could face up to 10 years in prison. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may still be brought.
Corruption has long plagued Ukraine, with organizations such as Transparency International assigning the country a low score of 36/100 in its 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Viktor Pavlushchyk, head of Ukraine's National Agency on Corruption Prevention, noted in 2014 that Ukraine is "fighting two wars—one against Russia and the other against corruption."
High-profile corruption cases, particularly those linked to the war, have drawn scrutiny from Ukraine’s international allies. As the conflict stretches on, economic strain and war fatigue have fueled skepticism about continued aid from the European Union and the United States. Some politicians in both regions have called for redirecting funds to domestic priorities, citing concerns about accountability in Ukraine’s use of foreign assistance.
The arrest comes amid efforts by Ukraine’s leadership to crack down on corruption as part of broader reforms aimed at maintaining international support and rebuilding public trust.
