Position: Former Deputy Head of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU); currently serves as Deputy Head of the Eastern Regional Directorate of the SBGSU.
Area of Corrupt Activity: Border security service.
Geographical Scope of Corrupt Activity: Nationwide (Ukraine).
Legal Qualification: The alleged actions have been classified under Article 368-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illicit enrichment).
Status: At liberty.
Case Overview:
On July 10, 2026, anti-corruption authorities notified a former Deputy Head of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, who currently serves as Deputy Head of the Eastern Regional Directorate, of suspicion of illicit enrichment.
The official press releases did not disclose the suspect's name. However, according to a media source, the individual in question is Colonel Artem Tkachenko.
According to the investigation, in 2023–2024, the suspect acquired assets worth more than UAH 11 million, the lawful origin of which cannot be substantiated by evidence.
According to investigators, part of these funds was used to purchase a Toyota RAV4. The remaining cash was discovered by NABU detectives during a search of the official's residence. The alleged actions were classified under Article 368-5 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
In turn, a spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service stated that the agency was ready to cooperate with the investigation and provide all necessary information within its authority.
In August, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) refused to impose a preventive measure on Artem Tkachenko, Deputy Head of the Eastern Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service, responsible for operational and investigative activities.
According to reports, a detective from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and a prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) had requested bail of UAH 13.31 million.
They also sought to impose the following obligations on Tkachenko: to appear upon first request; not to leave Ukraine without permission; to notify authorities of any change of residence or employment; to refrain from communicating with suspects and witnesses; to surrender his international passports for safekeeping; and to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet.
However, HACC investigating judge Yevhen Kruk refused to impose any preventive measure.
In his view, Tkachenko held a position that did not fall within the categories specified in Paragraphs 1–3 of Part 5 of Article 216 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, as the suspect was not a senior officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Consequently, the case did not fall under HACC jurisdiction, and the court was therefore unable to issue a ruling on the matter. The SAPO prosecutor filed an appeal against this decision.
Individuals Potentially Involved in Corruption Schemes: No information about possible accomplices is available from open sources.
Assets: No income declarations for Tkachenko are publicly available.
Authorities Responsible for Taking Action: Law enforcement authorities responded to the alleged criminal activity involving Tkachenko in a timely manner by formally notifying him of suspicion.
Scandals:
Tkachenko has been linked in media reports to overseeing smuggling schemes, particularly at Lviv Customs.
Media publications have also alleged that he maintains friendly relations with former Head of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineka, who has been notified of suspicion in a case concerning the alleged receipt of bribes from smugglers.
These allegations are based on media reports.
Sources:
https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2026/07/10/8043415/
https://nabu.gov.ua/news/koruptciia-v-derzhprykordonsluzhbi-nova-pidozra/