SSU General Duka Released From Custody in Carthage Case
Major General Serhii Duka, a suspect in the Carthage corruption case, has been released from pre-trial detention after colleagues raised the required bail amount.
By Olga Menon ·
Serhii Duka, a Major General in the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU), has been released from pre-trial detention. He is a primary suspect in the Carthage case, a major investigation into corruption within Ukrainian law enforcement. Duka has publicly maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
The general expressed gratitude to the SSU personnel who contributed to a fundraising effort that collected UAH 65 million, or approximately US$1.4 million, to secure his release. He emphasized that he had not committed the alleged crimes and characterized the case as an act of revenge by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
Duka stated that the SSU had uncovered evidence of corruption among representatives of anti-corruption agencies. However, he claimed that several of these cases were subsequently dropped following orders from senior state officials. He further suggested that anti-corruption bodies are preparing new stages of the Carthage series, though he believes he has sufficient arguments to counter them.
The general requested some time to rest and to fulfill court-imposed obligations, such as surrendering his passport. He indicated that he would provide further comments on the case at a later date. His release was marked by a significant presence of military personnel outside the detention center, including members of the SSU's Alpha special unit.
As Duka exited the facility, security personnel met him and handed him a firearm. His lawyer, Yurii Sukhov, explained that although the general has been dismissed from his specific post, he remains an SSU employee. Sukhov noted that Duka has participated in specific special operations and will therefore continue to receive protection.
Sukhov also addressed the question of why Duka chopped up his phones with an axe during his detention. The lawyer stated that the investigating judge had rejected the prosecutor's argument that the general was destroying evidence or resisting arrest. The legal team confirmed that an appeal against the preventive measure imposed on Duka is scheduled for hearing on 26 November.
Earlier this month, a message circulated among SSU staff urging contributions to a bail fundraiser for Duka. Sources indicated that regional officers were specifically asked to transfer money. Duka had also written an open letter from detention, arguing that his actions should be judged by evidence rather than sensationalist headlines.
On 12 November, it was confirmed that the court-ordered bail had been fully posted. The fundraising campaign received 1,612 payments, raising an amount that exceeded the initial requirement set by the court. The bail amount was established on 6 November after the High Anti-Corruption Court ordered Duka held in custody.
The Carthage case involves five members of a suspected criminal organization, including Duka. Investigators believe the group regularly bribed senior law enforcement officials to overlook scam call centers and other illegal businesses. NABU head Oleksandr Abakumov previously stated that Duka had threatened detectives with a gun and damaged equipment during a property search.
The release of Duka highlights the ongoing tensions between the SSU and anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine. As the legal process continues, the focus will remain on the upcoming appeal and the broader implications of the Carthage investigation for the country's security services.
