"Four Bags": NABU published a recording in the case of a large-scale corruption scheme

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) published a 47-second clip of a recording made as part of an investigation into a large-scale corruption scheme. The video was released by law enforcement during a special operation by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), which they called “Forrest Gump.”

The recording captures conversations of people whom investigators consider likely participants in the scheme. They, in particular, are likely discussing the transfer of money and mention the Office of the President of Ukraine.

Among the phrases heard in the video: “Only stupidity could register stolen money in the name of one’s children and even pay for their education.” In another fragment one of the interlocutors says: “Well, there are 4 bags.”

NABU has not yet provided official comments regarding the content of the conversations and has not disclosed whose voices are on the recording. The bureau said it will release additional details of the investigation later.

NABU and SAP announced the “Forrest Gump” special operation on the morning of 19 August. According to official law enforcement information, they uncovered a criminal organization led by a current and a former Member of Parliament of Ukraine.

According to NABU and SAP, the group’s participants also included officials from the Office of the President of Ukraine. At the same time, law enforcement authorities have not yet published the full list of suspects and all the circumstances of the investigation.

Additional details about the case began to be reported by Members of Parliament. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated that it concerns a current MP who is a developer. Another MP, Oleksiy Honcharenko, reported searches at the deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Iryna Mudra.

Official law enforcement authorities are currently not disclosing the full list of suspects and the circumstances of the investigation.