Major General of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Serhii Duka believes his arrest is an act of revenge by the head of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) for being notified of suspicion and for searches conducted at the homes of Bureau employees last year.
He made the statement during a court hearing at the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC).
“My arrest is revenge by the NABU director for being notified of suspicion and for the searches conducted at the homes of NABU employees last year,” Duka said.
He stated that he was ready to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing that he had served for 26 years, had not left Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, and had no intention of fleeing the country.
The general also commented on the bail amount of UAH 100 million requested by the SAPO prosecutor. Duka said he was unable to pay such a sum. He also expressed doubts that banks would process payments for his bail.
Duka also explained the circumstances of the searches at his home, which investigators regard as obstruction of NABU operations.
According to him, at around 5:20 a.m., Bureau employees climbed over the fence surrounding his property, triggering the Perimeter security system. The property was guarded by servicemen of the SBU's Alpha Special Operations Center.
“No one knew they were NABU officers. It was only an hour later that this became clear,” Duka said.
He added that only the head of the SBU had the authority to recall the Alpha unit.
