Ukraine’s chief army psychiatrist Oleh Druz arrested on $1.6m corruption charge
Volodymyr Zelensky’s government has arrested the chief psychiatrist for its army over charges he illegally amassed more than $1.6 million since the start of Russia’s invasion almost three years ago.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said the unnamed chief psychiatrist was charged with “illegal enrichment” after sitting on commissions for determining the fitness of individuals for military service. A man named Oleh Druz has been identified in previous reports as the chief psychiatrist for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The SBU claimed the accused’s assets included three apartments in or near the capital of Kyiv, another in Odesa, plots of land and several BMW high-end cars while investigators also discovered $US152,000 ($242,000) and another 34,000 Euros in cash inside his home.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The SBU said the property was registered in the name of his wife, daughter, sons and other third parties, the BBC reported.
The psychiatrist is facing 10 years in jail over both the charges of illegal enrichment and making a false declaration, in relation to the property.
It is not the first time Druz has been embroiled in such matters. In 2017 he was suspended after failing to declare two vehicles and several properties.
In 2024, the practice of officials taking bribes in exchange for issuing exemptions from army service forced the Ukrainian parliament to abolish military medical commissions.
Druz’s case is the latest chapter in Kyiv’s long-standing struggle with endemic corruption.
In January, 2024, the SBU revealed an investigation into five senior defence ministry officials and an arms supplier over an armaments purchase by the Ukrainian military worth about $US40 million.
In that particular case, payment was made in advance on a contract for 100,000 mortar shells, but no arms were ever provided.
And in May, a Kyiv lawmaker was charged with embezzling $433,000.
More than 30 conscription officials were sacked in 2023 over accusations of being paid to smuggle citizens out of the Ukraine.
