On November 5, 2026, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) chose a preventive measure for the First Deputy Head of the Department of Strategic Investigations (DSI) of the National Police of Ukraine, Volodymyr Tsenov. The court decided that Tsenov would be remanded in custody with the option of posting bail, set at 15 million hryvnias. Thus, the suspect in the high-profile 'Carthage' case received a formal opportunity to leave the detention center if the corresponding amount is paid within the established time frame.
Context of the 'Carthage' case: Call center cover-up scheme
The day before, on November 4, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), together with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), announced the exposure of a criminal organization that systematically paid bribes to high-ranking officials of law enforcement agencies. According to the investigation, the purpose of such payments was to ensure the unimpeded operation of fraudulent call centers and other illegal business schemes. Among the figures, as previously reported by NABU, was one of the leaders of the DSI of the National Police, who operated under the pseudonym 'Price' and was responsible for covering up the activities of call centers on behalf of the police. It is precisely this role, according to the investigation, that formed the basis for the suspicion against Tsenov.
Scale of the organization: at least 12 members from security forces
According to the investigation, the exposed organization included at least 12 people, including incumbent officials of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the National Police, and the Office of the Prosecutor General. On November 5, the same day the HACC considered the motion on the preventive measure for Tsenov, NABU and SAPO notified five members of this criminal organization of suspicion. That same evening, law enforcement officers detained the First Deputy Head of the Department for Protection of National Statehood of the SBU, General Serhiy Duka. His detention took place against the backdrop of the release of information about the exposed structure, which, according to observers, indicates a continuing wave of procedural actions within the framework of the case.
Publication of video materials and expert reaction
As reported by the publication RBK-Ukraine, after the initial statement by NABU and SAPO on November 4, anti-corruption agencies additionally published video recordings that captured a number of episodes of interaction between members of the organization. These materials became part of the evidentiary base and were presented in the public domain. Against the backdrop of the unfolding events, expert Ihor Chalenko raised questions on his Facebook page about the progress of the investigations and the legality of the actions of law enforcement agencies. He also proposed conducting an independent audit of the work of anti-corruption agencies, which added an element of public oversight to the process.
Current status and further procedural steps
At the time of writing, Tsenov formally remains in custody, but the court granted the possibility of posting bail in the amount of 15 million hryvnias. The final decision on actual release will depend on the timely payment of the amount and the absence of additional procedural restrictions. The 'Carthage' case continues to develop: investigative actions regarding the remaining suspects, including the detained General Duka, are at various stages. Further HACC hearings are expected regarding preventive measures for other members of the organization, as well as possible new episodes of suspicion as the investigation deepens.
