On December 27, 2025, the NABU and the SAPO served notices of suspicion on five Members of Parliament of Ukraine in a case concerning bribe-taking for “needed” votes.

According to the investigation, an organized group operated within the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, where participants, in exchange for unlawful benefits, influenced voting outcomes on draft laws and resolutions.

The organizers coordinated MPs’ actions, determined which drafts should be supported or blocked, and handled the receipt and distribution of funds. Other participants committed to voting as instructed and to being present in the plenary chamber.

The size of payments depended on the “effectiveness” of the voting—namely, the number of supported decisions and attendance at plenary sessions—and ranged from USD 2,000 to USD 20,000. Investigators documented that one MP received at least USD 145,000 for subsequent distribution among the scheme’s participants.

Voting instructions were transmitted via a specially created WhatsApp group.

The suspects’ actions are legally classified under Article 368(4) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Motions seeking interim measures have been served on all suspects.