In an important development within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, suspended Ilya Vytiuk, the head of the counterintelligence department for the protection of state interests in the field of information security. The decision came after an investigative report by Slidstvo-Info journalists revealed significant discrepancies in the wealth declarations of Mr. Vitiuk's wife, raising questions about the source of his wealth.
The report revealed that in December 2023, Mr. Vitiuk's wife bought a luxury apartment on the market worth more than 20 million hryvnia, although in official declarations the purchase price was only 12.8 million hryvnia. Ta. This revelation prompted immediate action by the SBU, with Vitiuk suspended and reassigned to a combat unit directly engaged in front-line operations.
Further complicating matters is an attempt to issue a draft subpoena to Slidstvo.Info journalist Yevhen Shulga, who was involved in the investigation. The move was widely criticized and was seen as an attempt to intimidate the press into silence. In response, the SBU, together with the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff, announced a joint investigation into the incident, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and the protection of press freedom.
As a result of this incident, the director of the Solomyansky Regional Recruitment and Social Assistance Center in Kyiv, who was involved in the attempt to issue a conscription order, was demoted and reassigned to a subordinate position within one of the combat units of the Ukrainian army. . This was announced by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to reporters from the Ukrainian media outlet Ukraiska Pravda.
The controversy began when Slidstvo.info journalist Yevhen Shulhat received a summons that appeared to be punishment for his investigative work on Ilya Vytiuk's illegal real estate transactions. The incident caused widespread concern among the media, and an official investigation was conducted to determine whether there had been abuse of power or obstruction of journalistic activities by SBU officials or mobilization center officials.
This development has attracted the attention of media organizations, including the Ukrainian media federation Mediaark (Media Movement), who are calling for a swift investigation and justice for the targeted journalist, Evgen Shulhat. . “Such actions demonstrate that the SBU is using its official position to disrupt the activities of journalists who have reported facts that may be inconvenient for the SBU leadership,” the group said in a statement. It is said that there is.
This situation prompted the Ministry of Defense to express its disapproval of any pressure on journalists, underline the importance of journalism in a democratic society, and to review the relationship between the military and the media more broadly. The investigation aimed to ensure transparency.
This series of events highlights the contribution of journalists in ensuring transparency and accountability in Ukraine's security services and the role of investigative reporting in holding public officials to account. The ongoing journalist investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the real estate purchase and the attempted intimidation of journalists, and to reaffirm Ukraine's commitment to upholding the principles of open governance and freedom of the press.
Related:
- Ukraine begins criminal investigation into 'weaponized conscription'
- European Parliament members call for investigation into Russia's bribery of EU politicians
- Bihus exposed: Ukrainian SBU illegally monitored
- US pledges $1 million to international investigation into Russia
- Ukrainian investigators reveal extensive human rights findings
