Share this @internewscast.com

Ukraine sacked two senior cyber defense officials on Monday, a government official said, as prosecutors announced a probe into alleged embezzlement in the government’s cyber security agency.

Yurii Shchyhol, head of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP), and his deputy, Viktor Zhora, were dismissed by the government, senior cabinet official Taras Melnychuk wrote on Telegram.

Melnychuk, the cabinet’s representative to parliament, did not mention the reasons for the dismissals. Neither man nor their lawyers could be reached for comment.

The SSSCIP is responsible for securing government communications and defending the state from cyber attacks.

News of the firings came less than an hour before anti-corruption prosecutors said they were investigating the head and deputy head of the SSSCIP over their alleged roles in a six-person plot to embezzle 62 million UAH ($1.72 million) between 2020 and 2022.

Authorities suspect the officials of buying software at an inflated price from two companies allegedly under their control in a sale that had been closed to other bidders, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau said.

Prosecutors did not name either official. In a statement on Telegram, the SSSCIP said it was cooperating with investigators and that all agency procurement had been carried out legally.

Ukraine has stepped up efforts to curtail corruption as it pursues membership in the European Union, which has made the fight against graft a key prerequisite for negotiations to begin.

Recent targets for investigation have included a billionaire former patron of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the ex-head of Ukraine’s Supreme Court. Both have denied wrongdoing.

In September, Shchyhol told Reuters that Russian spies are using hackers to target computer systems at law enforcement agencies to identify and obtain evidence related to alleged Russian war crimes.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than 2 weeks after announcing he had kidney disease

Beloved Jets Star Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Following Kidney Disease Announcement

In 2022, Nick Mangold, a celebrated figure in the New York Jets’…
US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter, F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet go down in separate South China Sea incidents

US Navy Faces Dual Aircraft Incidents: Sea Hawk Helicopter and F/A-18F Super Hornet Crash in South China Sea

In a day marked by unexpected challenges, two aircraft from the USS…
Chicago immigration activity: Video shows agents break car window detain driver in Addison; DHS defends 'crowd control measures'

Video Captures Tense Immigration Arrest in Addison: DHS Stands by Agents’ Actions

CHICAGO — Growing unease surrounds federal activities in the Chicago region, following…
Zohran Mamdani's incoherent education policies will destroy NYC's fragile progress

Zohran Mamdani’s Education Policies Could Impact NYC’s Recent Advances, Experts Warn

For over two decades, New York City’s educational framework has been based…
12-year-old Minneapolis church shooting survivor shot in head released from hospital

Brave 12-Year-Old Minneapolis Church Shooting Survivor Triumphantly Returns Home After Head Injury Recovery

A 12-year-old girl, who was gravely injured during the shooting at Annunciation…
The Daily News Endorsement: Cuomo offers NYC a path forward while Mamdani peddles hollow promises

The Daily News Endorses Cuomo for NYC’s Future, Critiques Mamdani’s Proposals as Lacking Substance

The final mayoral debate highlighted Zohran Mamdani’s lackluster performance, underscoring persistent issues…
Jaxson Dart welcomes Eagles crowd’s ‘hostility’ for pivotal Giants game in South Philly

Jaxson Dart Embraces Intense Eagles Fans Ahead of Crucial Giants Matchup in South Philly

Jaxson Dart is well-acquainted with playing in unfriendly settings. The rookie quarterback…
The Latest: What’s in store for the AP Top 25

Breaking Down the Future of the AP Top 25 Rankings

Anticipate minimal changes at the peak of the AP Top 25 rankings,…
Chicago volunteers collecting food at El Pollo Cris Cris on SW Side for those in need amid high prices, looming SNAP benefits halt

Local Volunteers Rally at El Pollo Cris Cris to Support Families Facing Rising Costs and SNAP Uncertainty

CHICAGO — As inflation continues to push prices skyward, many families are…
Knicks take 54 threes, only make 15 in 115-107 loss to Heat

Knicks Fall Short Against Heat Despite Attempting 54 Three-Pointers, Securing Only 15 in 115-107 Defeat

MIAMI — The Knicks are aiming to increase their three-point attempts. This…
1 dead, 6 injured after shooting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania: police

Tragic Shooting at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured

A tragic incident unfolded at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania during the institution’s…
Nearly 80K sauna blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries reported

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 80,000 Sauna Blankets Recalled Due to Burn Injury Risks

In an important safety notice, Lifepro Fitness has announced the recall of…