Hostname: page-component-5b777bbd6c-cp4x8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-06-18T22:36:15.679Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Criminal Liability for Corruption in the Defense Sector: Use of Weapons as Risk Factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2025

Liudmyla Kulyk*
Affiliation:
Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Odesa State University of Internal Affairs, Odesa, Ukraine
Rostyslav Shchokin
Affiliation:
Department of Administrative, Financial and Banking Law, Interregional Academy of Personnel Management, Kyiv, Ukraine
Armen S. Nersesian
Affiliation:
Department of Criminal Law, Criminology and Judicial System Issues, Koretsky Institute of State and Law, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Olena Pavlova
Affiliation:
State Tax University, Irpin, Ukraine
Andrii Lyseiuk
Affiliation:
Department of Financial and Economic Security, Scientific Humanitarian Institute, National Academy of the Security Service of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
*
Corresponding author: Liudmyla Kulyk; Email: kulik-69@ukr.net

Abstract

Corruption is a pervasive issue in Ukraine, deeply ingrained in the government and the economy, eroding public trust and hindering social and economic development. The government has taken steps to combat corruption, but challenges persist. Therefore, this study delves into the relevance and importance of addressing corruption in the defense sector due to its potential to jeopardize national security, deplete resources, erode public confidence, and disrupt military discipline, ultimately undermining military effectiveness and international cooperation. Preventing corruption in the defense sector necessitates a multifaceted approach. Beyond punitive measures, it requires systemic reforms and efficient mechanisms to ensure compliance in this critical area. The authors underscore that combating corruption during martial law depends on political will and robust legislative support, encompassing comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate anti-corruption mechanisms and establish accountability. This article’s primary objective is to examine corruption liability in the defense sector, emphasizing violent offenses and weapon utilization as significant risk factors. It scrutinizes legislative backing and the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the defense sector, particularly institutional strategies. Moreover, the article underscores the imperative of refining the legal framework to curb corruption and prevent the misuse of weapons and violence for personal gain.

Abstracto

Abstracto

La corrupción es un problema generalizado en Ucrania, profundamente arraigado en el gobierno y la economía, que erosiona la confianza pública y obstaculiza el desarrollo social y económico. El gobierno ha tomado medidas para combatir la corrupción, pero los desafíos persisten. Por lo tanto, este estudio profundiza en la relevancia e importancia de abordar la corrupción en el sector de defensa debido a su potencial para poner en peligro la seguridad nacional, agotar los recursos, erosionar la confianza pública y perturbar la disciplina militar, socavando en última instancia la eficacia militar y la cooperación internacional. La prevención de la corrupción en el sector de defensa requiere un enfoque multifacético. Más allá de las medidas punitivas, requiere reformas sistémicas y mecanismos eficientes para garantizar el cumplimiento en esta área crítica. El autor subraya que la lucha contra la corrupción durante la ley marcial depende de la voluntad política y un sólido apoyo legislativo, que abarque marcos legales integrales para regular los mecanismos anticorrupción y establecer la rendición de cuentas. El objetivo principal de este artículo es examinar la responsabilidad por corrupción en el sector de defensa, haciendo hincapié en los delitos violentos y el uso de armas como factores de riesgo importantes. El artículo analiza el respaldo legislativo y la eficacia de las medidas anticorrupción en el sector de defensa, en particular las estrategias institucionales. Además, el artículo subraya la necesidad imperiosa de perfeccionar el marco jurídico para frenar la corrupción y prevenir el uso indebido de las armas y la violencia para obtener beneficios personales.

Abstrait

Abstrait

La corruption est un problème omniprésent en Ukraine, profondément ancré dans le gouvernement et l’économie, érodant la confiance du public et entravant le développement social et économique. Le gouvernement a pris des mesures pour lutter contre la corruption, mais des défis persistent. Par conséquent, cette étude examine la pertinence et l’importance de lutter contre la corruption dans le secteur de la défense en raison de son potentiel à mettre en péril la sécurité nationale, à épuiser les ressources, à éroder la confiance du public et à perturber la discipline militaire, ce qui compromet en fin de compte l’efficacité militaire et la coopération internationale. La prévention de la corruption dans le secteur de la défense nécessite une approche multidimensionnelle. Au-delà des mesures punitives, elle nécessite des réformes systémiques et des mécanismes efficaces pour assurer la conformité dans ce domaine critique. L’auteur souligne que la lutte contre la corruption pendant la loi martiale dépend de la volonté politique et d’un soutien législatif solide, englobant des cadres juridiques complets pour réglementer les mécanismes de lutte contre la corruption et établir la responsabilité. L’objectif principal de cet article est d’examiner la responsabilité de la corruption dans le secteur de la défense, en mettant l’accent sur les infractions violentes et l’utilisation d’armes comme facteurs de risque importants. Il examine le soutien législatif et l’efficacité des mesures de lutte contre la corruption dans le secteur de la défense, en particulier les stratégies institutionnelles. L’article souligne également l’impératif d’affiner le cadre juridique pour lutter contre la corruption et empêcher l’usage abusif des armes et de la violence à des fins personnelles.

摘要

摘要

腐败是乌克兰的一个普遍问题,深深植根于政府和经济中,侵蚀了公众信任并阻碍了社会和经济发展。政府已采取措施打击腐败,但挑战依然存在。因此,本研究深入探讨了解决国防部门腐败问题的相关性和重要性,因为腐败可能会危及国家安全、耗尽资源、削弱公众信心并破坏军事纪律,最终破坏军事效力和国际合作。防止国防部门腐败需要采取多方面的方法。除了惩罚措施外,还需要系统性改革和有效机制来确保这一关键领域的合规性。作者强调,在戒严期间打击腐败取决于政治意愿和强有力的立法支持,包括全面的法律框架来规范反腐败机制并建立问责制。本文的主要目标是研究国防部门的腐败责任,强调暴力犯罪和武器使用是重大风险因素。它审查了立法支持和国防部门反腐败措施的有效性,特别是体制战略。此外,文章强调必须完善法律框架,以遏制腐败,防止滥用武器和暴力谋取私利。

مجرد

مجرد

الملخص الفساد قضية منتشرة في أوكرانيا، ومتجذرة بعمق في الحكومة والاقتصاد، مما يؤدي إلى تآكل ثقة الجمهور وإعاقة التنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية. اتخذت الحكومة خطوات لمكافحة الفساد، لكن التحديات لا تزال قائمة. لذلك، تتعمق هذه الدراسة في مدى أهمية وضرورة معالجة الفساد في قطاع الدفاع بسبب قدرته على تعريض الأمن الوطني للخطر، واستنزاف الموارد، وتآكل ثقة الجمهور، وتعطيل الانضباط العسكري، وتقويض فعالية الجيش والتعاون الدولي في نهاية المطاف. إن منع الفساد في قطاع الدفاع يتطلب نهجًا متعدد الأوجه. فبالإضافة إلى التدابير العقابية، يتطلب الأمر إصلاحات منهجية وآليات فعّالة لضمان الامتثال في هذا المجال الحاسم. ويؤكد المؤلف أن مكافحة الفساد أثناء الأحكام العرفية تعتمد على الإرادة السياسية والدعم التشريعي القوي، بما في ذلك الأطر القانونية الشاملة لتنظيم آليات مكافحة الفساد وإرساء المساءلة. والهدف الأساسي لهذه المقالة هو دراسة المسؤولية عن الفساد في قطاع الدفاع، مع التركيز على الجرائم العنيفة واستخدام الأسلحة كعوامل خطر كبيرة. يتناول المقال الدعم التشريعي وفعالية تدابير مكافحة الفساد في قطاع الدفاع، وخاصة الاستراتيجيات المؤسسية. وعلاوة على ذلك، يؤكد المقال على ضرورة تحسين الإطار القانوني للحد من الفساد ومنع إساءة استخدام الأسلحة والعنف لتحقيق مكاسب شخصية.

Type
Article
Copyright
© International Society of Criminology, 2025

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Bilenko, V. A. 2023. “Ways of Improving Anti-Corruption Legislation in Ukraine During the Conditions of War.” Analytical and Comparative Jurisprudence 43(3):241–5.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bukhtiarova, A. 2020. “Current Trends in Schemes Expansion of Money Laundering.” The Problems of Systemic Approach in the Economy 3(77-2):5864.Google Scholar
Bullough, O. 2023. “How NATO Can Help Beat Back Corruption in Ukraine.” Coda, July 19, 2023, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.codastory.com/newsletters/oligarchs/nato-membership-ukraine-corruption/).Google Scholar
Cherneha, Yu. 2016. “Problems of the Correlation of the Notions Corrupt Practice and Bribery in the Theory of Criminal Law.” Scientific Bulletin of Uzhhorod National University 39:65–9.Google Scholar
Chernovol, K. 2023. “Corruption in Ukraine Can Be Overcome in Two Months, But Not by The Number of Arrests – Expert.” Unian, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.unian.ua/society/korupciyu-v-ukrajini-mozhna-podolati-za-dva-misyaci-ale-ne-kilkistyu-posadok-ekspert-12132333.html).Google Scholar
Department of Communication of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. 2023. “Control Over Arms Trafficking Is One of the Priorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.” Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, August 2, 2023, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://mvs.gov.ua/news/kontrol-za-obigom-zbroyi-odin-z-prioritetnix-napriamiv-diialnosti-mvs).Google Scholar
European Commission. 2023. “Ukraine 2023 Report. SWD(2023) 699 Final.” European Commission, November 8, 2023, retrieved October 16, 2024 (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-11/SWD_2023_699%20Ukraine%20report.pdf).Google Scholar
Golovin, D., Nazymko, Y., Koropatov, O., and Korniienko, M.. 2022. “Electronic Evidence in Proving Crimes of Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Turnover.” Access to Justice in Eastern Europe 5(2):156–66.10.33327/AJEE-18-5.2-n000217CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gura, V. 2021. “The Concept of Corruption as an Economic and Legal Phenomenon.” Academic Notes of KROK University 4(64):7684.Google Scholar
Hrechaniuk, R. 2015. “Functions and Powers of Special Anti-Corruption Bodies of Ukraine, Poland and Moldova: Comparative Analysis.” Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Prosecution of Ukraine 2:41–8.Google Scholar
Ivliev, M. M. 2015. “On the Two-Objective Nature of a Military Violent Crime.” Forum of Law 2:64–8.Google Scholar
Karmanau, Y. 2016. “War Turns Ukraine into ‘Supermarket’ for Illegal Weapons.” AP News, August 6, 2016, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://apnews.com/general-news-16ffe979bc2947ce9373079264232406).Google Scholar
Korniienko, M. V., Petrunenko, I. V., Yena, I. V., Pankratova, K. O., and Vozniakovska, K. A.. 2020. “Negative Effects of Corruption Offenses for the Country’s Economy.” International Journal of Management 11(5):1072–83.Google Scholar
Kovalova, O., Korniienko, M., and Postol, O.. 2019. “Ensuring of Child’s Dignity as a Principle of Modern Education: Administrative and Legal Aspects.” Asia Life Sciences – Asian International Journal of Life Sciences 21(2):341–59.Google Scholar
Kyrylenko, O. and Buderatskyi, Ye.. 2023. “Solomiya Bobrovska: The Biggest Opponent of Demobilization Is the General Staff, but I Understand It.” Ukrainian Truth, December 13, 2023, retrieved July 25, 2024 (https://www.pravda.com.ua/articles/2023/12/13/7432817/).Google Scholar
Lapikptska, K. 2024. “Suspected of Corruption: The Anti-Corruption Court Imposed a Preventive Measure on an Official of the Rivne Customs.” Suspilne, July 4, 2024, retrieved July 20, 2024 (https://suspilne.media/rivne/783453-pidozruut-u-korupcii-antikorupcijnij-sud-obrav-zapobiznij-zahid-posadovcu-rivnenskoi-mitnici/).Google Scholar
Lehin, A. V. 2019. “National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine: Structure, Powers and Functions.” Scientific Bulletin of Uzhhorod National University 54:160–3.Google Scholar
Lysohor, I. 2024. “NABU Confirms Existence of Corruption Scheme in Food Procurement by the Ministry of Defense.” LB, February 14, 2024, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://lb.ua/society/2024/02/14/598353_nabu_pidtverdilo_isnuvannya.html).Google Scholar
Martyniuk, A. 2017. “Research on Illicit Arms Flows. A Briefing Paper.” Small Arms Survey, April 2017, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/SAS-BP3-Ukraine-UKR.pdf).Google Scholar
Mazur, E. 2023. “Millionaire Military Commissars. How to Overcome Corruption in the Army.” Liga.net, July 6, 2023, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.liga.net/ua/politics/articles/voenkomy-millionery-kak-preodolet-korruptsiyu-v-armii).Google Scholar
Melnyk, M. 2001. Corruption: Essence, Concept, Measures of Counteraction. Kyiv: Atika.Google Scholar
Miftakhutdinov, V. 2017. “Criminal Liability for Corruption Offenses.” Yurydychna Gazeta Online, June 21, 2017, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://yur-gazeta.com/publications/practice/kriminalne-pravo-ta-proces/kriminalna-vidpovidalnist-za-korupciyni-pravoporushennya.html).Google Scholar
Myrhorod-Karpova, V. V. and Murach, D. V.. 2022. “The Place and Role of the High Anti-Corruption Court in Ukraine in the State Mechanism of Combating Corruption.” Bulletin of Luhansk State University of Internal Affairs Named After E.O. Didorenko 3(17):246–57.Google Scholar
Nalyvaiko, I. O. 2022. “Council of Europe Standards and Legal Positions of the ECHR in the Field of Preventing and Combating Domestic Violence: Theoretical and Legal Characteristics.” Legal Scientific Electronic Journal 7:4750.Google Scholar
Nalyvaiko, L. and Savchenko, O.. 2017. Theoretical and Legal Foundations of Public Control over the Activities of Public Authorities. Kyiv: High Tech Press.Google Scholar
National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. 2022. “NABU Has Adapted to Work in Wartime: Discussion.” NABU, June 16, 2022, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://nabu.gov.ua/news/novyny-nabu-adaptuvalosya-do-roboty-v-umovah-viyny-dyskusiya/).Google Scholar
National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. 2024. “UAH 3.2 Million in Damages to a Strategic State-Owned Enterprise: Sent to Court.” NABU, July 18, 2024, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://nabu.gov.ua/news/3-2-mln-grn-zbytkiv-strategichnomu-derzhpidpryyemstvu-skerovano-do-sudu/).Google Scholar
Nykyforov, D. 2023. “Hidden Risks of Cases of Corruption Administrative Offenses.” Bargen, April 12, 2023, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://bargen.com.ua/2023/04/12/pryhovani-ryzyky-sprav-pro-koruptsijni-administratyvni-pravoporushennya/).Google Scholar
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 2020. Anti-Corruption Reforms in Ukraine: 4th Round of Monitoring of the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan. Paris: OECD Publishing.Google Scholar
Petrushko, M. and Kostenko, I.. 2017. “Prevention of Corruption in the Military Sphere.” Actual Problems of Administrative and Legal Support of the National Police 2:113–18.Google Scholar
Piskun, I. and Levchuk, V.. 2018. “Theoretical Law Zone of Corruption Risks in the Sphere of Defense.” Legal Bulletin 3(48):52–7.Google Scholar
Popadynets, H. and Zubyk, V.. 2022. “Supreme Anti-Corruption Court in the System of Anti-Corruption Bodies of Ukraine.” Bulletin of Lviv Polytechnic National University. Series: “Legal Sciences” 3(35):374–9.Google Scholar
President of Ukraine. 2022. “Decree No. 56/2022. On the Decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of December 30, 2021 on the State Security Strategy.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/562022-41377).Google Scholar
President of Ukraine. 2023. “Decree No. 491/2023. On the Results of the Inspection of Territorial Centers of Recruitment and Social Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/4912023-47805).Google Scholar
Prokopiv, B. 2018. “Specification of NABU and NUTS Functioning in the System of Specialized Anti-Corruption Bodies of Ukraine.” Current Issues of Jurisprudence 4(16):144–8.Google Scholar
Shylo, S. 2022. “Peculiarities of the Application of Legislation on the Prevention of Corruption in the Conditions of Martial Law.” Scientific Bulletin of Uzhhorod National University 74:8693.Google Scholar
Shymon, O. M. 2020. Restrictions and Prohibitions as a Means of Preventing Administrative Offenses Related to Corruption in the Activities of Civil Servants. Zaporizhzhia: Zaporizhzhia National University.Google Scholar
Shyriaieva, L. and Kunevych, H.. 2023. “The Problem of Fighting Against Legalization of Laundering of Money Obtained by Criminal Ways in Ukraine During the State of Martial Law.” Development of Management and Entrepreneurship Methods on Transport 3(84):514.Google Scholar
Skomarov, O. V. 2017. “Interaction of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine with Other State Bodies: Features and Classification.” International Scientific Journal “The Rule of Law” 1:124–30.Google Scholar
Smokov, S. M., Horoshko, V. V., Korniienko, M. V., and Medvedenko, S. V.. 2022. “Rule of Law as a Principle of Criminal Procedure (on Materials of the European Court of Human Rights).” Pakistan Journal of Criminology 14(3):3746.Google Scholar
Solonyna, Y. 2020. “The First Year of the Anti-Corruption Court: ’Betrayal’ or ‘Victory’.” Radio Svoboda, September 5, 2020, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/pershyy-rik-roboty-antykorsudu-zrada-chy-peremoha-/30822651.html).Google Scholar
Sorskyi, O. I. 2020. “Interaction of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine with Certain Public Administration Entities.” Legal Science 3(105):274–83.Google Scholar
State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine. 2016. “Laundering of the Proceeds of Corruption.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://fiu.gov.ua/assets/userfiles/411/Типолог%20ДСФМУ/2016%2012%2029_Tipolog_2016.pdf).Google Scholar
Stelmakh, A. 2021. “Regulatory and Legal Mechanisms of Regulation for the Lobbyism Institute in Ukraine: Problems and Solutions.” Public Administration and Law Review 1:49.10.36690/2674-5216-2021-1-4CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Striltsiv, O. M. 2022. “Weaknesses of the Anti-Corruption Legislation in Regarding the Consideration of Reports of Corruption.” Legal Scientific Electronic Journal 9:372–5.Google Scholar
The New Voice of Ukraine. 2024. “NATO Summit to Demand Anti-Corruption Efforts from Ukraine – The Telegraph.” The New Voice of Ukraine, July 3, 2024, retrieved July 20, 2024 (https://english.nv.ua/nation/nato-summit-to-demand-anti-corruption-efforts-from-ukraine-the-telegraph-says-50431947.html).Google Scholar
Transparency International. 2023. “Corruption Perceptions Index.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://cpi.ti-ukraine.org/en/).Google Scholar
United Nations. 2015. “Sustainable Development Goals.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals).Google Scholar
Vanchyk, Y. 2014. “General Theoretical Approaches to the Definition of Corruption, Corruption Acts and Corruption Relations.” Philosophical and Methodological Problems of Law 1:175–81.Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2001. “Law of Ukraine No. 2341-III. Criminal Code of Ukraine.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2341-14#Text).Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2012. “Law of Ukraine No. 4651-VI. Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/4651-17#Text).Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2014a. “Law of Ukraine No. 1698-VII. On the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1698-18#Text).Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2014b. “Law of Ukraine No. 1700-VII. On Prevention of Corruption.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/1700-18#Text).Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2018a. “Law of Ukraine No. 2447-VIII. On the High Anti-Corruption Court.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2447-19#Text).Google Scholar
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 2018b. “Law of Ukraine No. 2469-VIII. On National Security of Ukraine.” Retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2469-19#Text).Google Scholar
Williams, A. 2021. “Corruption Definitions and Their Implications for Targeting Natural Resource Corruption.” Targeting Natural Resource Corruption Project, August 2021, retrieved October 20, 2023 (https://www.cmi.no/publications/file/7849-corruption-definitions-and-their-implications-for-targeting-natural-resource-corruption.pdf).Google Scholar