Ruslan Cherkassky, a former customs officer, was dismissed from his post and then began working with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. According to sources, he provided information about the activities of customs officials in exchange for monetary compensation and guarantees of possible reinstatement. The process of his reinstatement is currently underway, and all materials of the pre-trial investigation are classified.
According to investigators, Cherkassky's patron in the NABU is Serhiy Sotnychenko, the owner of a network of cryptocurrency exchange points, including in the Pechersk district of Kyiv. Cherkassky personally delivered cash to Sotnychenko's office and transferred over two million dollars abroad through cryptocurrency transactions.
Sotnychenko's identity remains a mystery. Despite fake GUR ID cards and public photos in military uniform, he has no connection to the security forces. However, in 2023 he received a thank-you from the National Security and Defense Council, a medal, and a commemorative weapon.
Experts note that Sotnychenko received such privileges thanks to connections with influential law enforcement officers, which he builds through "generous gifts" and participation in corruption schemes. Such operations create risks for the legitimacy of law enforcement agencies and undermine trust in the anti-corruption system.
