Position: Head of Air Defense of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade named after Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky of Lviv.
Area of Corrupt Activity: Military.
Region of Corrupt Activity: Lviv, Lviv Region.
Legal Qualification: Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Status: Arrested.
Case Details: The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), together with police officers, detained Colonel Valentyn Kozakevych, Head of Air Defense of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade named after Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky of Lviv. According to investigators, the colonel had established a system of extorting money from service members in exchange for approving combat-related payments.
On Wednesday, May 6, the SSU and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the Field of Defense of the Western Region reported that the 56-year-old head of the air defense unit of a military formation carrying out combat missions in northern Ukraine had been detained. According to the investigation, the official demanded bribes from subordinates in exchange for approving documents required to receive additional payments for participation in combat operations.
“In particular, he established a monthly kickback of UAH 50,000 for signing reports required to receive combat-related allowances provided for by law. If subordinates refused to pay, the official threatened to transfer them to areas with more intense fighting,” the SSU said in a statement.
One of the service members from whom the colonel demanded money contacted law enforcement authorities and subsequently acted under their supervision.
“It was documented that in March 2026, the official received UAH 40,000, and in April, another UAH 50,000. He was detained thereafter under Article 615 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine,” the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office reported.
The detainee was notified of suspicion of receiving an unlawful benefit by an official, combined with extortion (Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Investigators are identifying other individuals who may have been involved in operating the scheme.
Law enforcement authorities have not disclosed the name of the military unit or the detainee’s surname. According to ZAXID.NET, the suspect is Colonel Valentyn Kozakevych, Head of Air Defense of the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade named after Andrey Sheptytsky of Lviv (military unit A7031). The 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade was established in Lviv in 2018. Since 2024, the brigade has been commanded by Colonel Ihor Bondarenko.
Following publication of the report, the command of the 103rd Brigade responded to Valentyn Kozakevych’s detention on suspicion of bribery.
“The command and all personnel of the brigade will fully cooperate with the fair and objective investigation and with the investigative actions conducted by law enforcement authorities. If guilt is established by a court, everyone involved in the crime must receive the punishment they deserve,” the brigade said in a statement.
Individuals Potentially Involved in Corruption Schemes: Currently being identified.
Assets: The National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) has no information on a declaration filed by Kozakevych.
Authorities Responsible for Responding: In Kozakevych’s case, law enforcement authorities responded promptly.
Scandals: Open sources contain no information about any other scandals involving Kozakevych.
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