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
Up to 1,000 Iranian 'sleeper' agents embedded in Canada: Gov't official

Canadian Officials Reveal Presence of Potential Iranian Agents Across the Country

According to experts, up to 1,000 former members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary…
Politico yanks antisemitic cartoon of blood-covered Trump and Netanyahu

Politico Removes Controversial Cartoon Featuring Trump and Netanyahu

WASHINGTON — Politico found itself embroiled in controversy after pulling a contentious…
’90 Day Fiance’ alum’s boyfriend beats Boca Bash attempted murder case he rips as ‘ridiculous’

’90 Day Fiance’ Star’s Boyfriend Acquitted in Boca Bash Attempted Murder Case, Calls Charges ‘Ridiculous’

In a dramatic turn of events, a Florida man has walked free…
American-born Israeli soldier killed in combat in Lebanon

American-Born Israeli Soldier Tragically Falls in Lebanon Combat Operations

An Israeli soldier, originally from the United States, has been killed in…
Russian drone strikes destroy Ukraine maternity hospital full of newborns: 'This was pure terror'

Russian Drone Attacks Devastate Ukrainian Maternity Hospital, Leaving Newborns in Peril: ‘A Scene of Pure Terror

In a devastating overnight assault, Russian drone attacks instilled “sheer terror” across…
US strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq reportedly continue as Baghdad warns of 'right to respond'

U.S. Airstrikes Target Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq Amid Baghdad’s Warning of Retaliation Rights

The United States military reportedly carried out airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting the…
NYC graduation rates down by largest year-over-year percentage in 20 years

New York City Experiences Highest Annual Decline in Graduation Rates in Two Decades

New data from the Department of Education indicates that New York City…
Mom of Brooklyn boy caught in crossfire aims to raise money to flee to safety

Brooklyn Mother Seeks Funds to Relocate After Son is Injured in Crossfire

A heartbroken mother is pleading for assistance after her 9-year-old son became…
California woman caught on camera smashing ex-boyfriend’s Tesla after breakup

California Woman Faces Legal Trouble After Allegedly Vandalizing Ex’s Tesla in Viral Video

A woman’s vengeful act against her ex-boyfriend’s Tesla was caught on camera,…
Benson Boone's 'Wanted Man' tour is heading to Jacksonville

Benson Boone’s ‘Wanted Man’ Tour Set to Electrify Jacksonville: Don’t Miss Out!

Benson Boone is set to dazzle fans at the Vystar Veterans Memorial…
Zelenskyy offers cutting-edge drone defense to Gulf allies as Ukraine seeks missile support

Zelenskyy Unveils Advanced Drone Defense to Gulf Nations Amid Quest for Missile Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is leveraging battlefield innovation to strengthen international alliances,…
Dem candidate lobbed N-word in resurfaced social media posts

Resurfaced Posts Reveal Controversial Language Used by Democratic Candidate

A Democratic contender for Congress, who has previously accused rivals of racism,…