Ukrainian MP Accused of Enabling Russian Infiltration of Anti-Corruption Bureau

Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) is conducting widespread raids across the country’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) after exposing a suspected Russian influence network tied to former Member of Parliament Fedir Khrystenko.

The investigation, carried out jointly by the SSU and the Prosecutor General’s Office, revealed that Khrystenko—who served under the now-banned pro-Russian political party Opposition Platform – For Life—was recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) during the administration of ex-President Viktor Yanukovych.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Khrystenko fled the country but continued to operate from abroad. Authorities say he maintained contact with senior NABU officials to access sensitive information and obstruct investigations.

One of his key contacts was Ruslan Magamedrasulov, the head of NABU’s interregional detectives’ department, who was arrested by the SSU on suspicion of collaboration with Russia. The two had known each other since university.

Another link is Oleksandr Skomarov, a top official at NABU, whose wife reportedly used a vehicle registered to Khrystenko’s wife to leave the country in 2022. Skomarov had also applied to lead Ukraine’s Economic Security Bureau, a role in which he was allegedly expected to help close a criminal case against Ukrainian businessman Ihor Kolomoisky.

The investigation also connects Khrystenko’s network to the escape of Kolomoisky’s business associate, Hennadii Boholiubov. Two NABU detectives—under Skomarov’s supervision—allegedly accompanied Boholiubov across the border while traveling in a neighboring train compartment.

Authorities found NABU documents during searches of Khrystenko’s associates, including files on undercover surveillance and internal recruitment—evidence suggesting unauthorized access and systemic leaks to Russia.

As of 11:00 a.m., Ukrainian officials had carried out over 70 searches targeting NABU employees, with at least 15 personnel under investigation. While some cases involve unrelated charges such as traffic incidents, others are tied directly to suspicions of aiding a foreign adversary.

The SSU has launched an unscheduled review of NABU personnel with access to state secrets, and Ukraine’s State Special Communications Service is inspecting the agency’s technical infrastructure for vulnerabilities.