Last week, the Ukrainian government fired two top cybersecurity officials who were accused of embezzling public funds. One of them is now in custody. Taras Melnychuk, a senior Ukrainian cabinet official, announced the firing of the two officials in a public post on Telegram last week.
The two officials are Yurii Shchyhol, head of Ukraine’s State Special Communications Service (SSSCIP), and his deputy Victor Zhora, who has shone a light on international conferences as a champion of Ukraine’s cybersecurity.
On Monday, Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court announced in a press release that a judge had ordered Zola's detention as a precautionary measure.
The press release stated that the detention will last until January 22, 2024, and the bail will be 10,000,584 Ukrainian hryvnias, approximately US$275,000.
It's unclear whether Zora posted bail. Zhora did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Previously, shortly after the charges were announced, Zhora stated that he would "defend my honor and reputation in court."
SSSCIP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Friday, Zhora said on Twitter that this was his last day working for SSSCIP.
"Thank you all for your support of our service and our fight against our enemies in cyberspace. I hope my successor will continue to support all initiatives and international cooperation. I look forward to being back with you soon in my new assignment," he wrote.