A senior cybersecurity official has been fired in Ukraine on suspicion of embezzling funds. The government in Kiev announced that in addition to Yuri Chchygo, head of an agency that protects government institutions against cyber attacks, his deputy had also been removed from his position.
According to the Anti-Corruption Investigation Agency (SAP) and the National Investigation Agency (NABU), Tschchygo is suspected of purchasing software from a foreign company at excessive prices and embezzling the equivalent of approximately 1.5 million euros. The money was transferred abroad to be laundered and distributed to a criminal group to which Chchygo belonged.
Suspect wants to ‘prove innocence’
Chchygo denied the allegations. He announced that he wanted to “prove his innocence” in court. In addition to Tschchygo and his former deputy, the investigations target four other government employees, as SAP announced in the online service Telegram. If convicted, the suspects face up to six years in prison.
Numerous cyber attacks from Russia
At the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, there were numerous cyber attacks of suspected Russian origin against the government in Kiev. However, according to experts, the Ukrainian government was able to fend off these attacks via the Internet. As the war progressed, cyber attacks decreased.
Corruption and embezzlement of funds are widespread ills in Ukraine. The leadership in Kiev is trying to take more consistent action against this – also in view of the EU accession it is pursuing.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
