Ukraine Corruption Suspect Karpyha Keeps His Post: Prosecutor's Office Explains Why

Serhiy Karpyha, arrested in September 2026 as part of Ukraine's anti-corruption operation "Carthage" (Karpyha served as deputy head of the International Cooperation Department at the Prosecutor General's Office), has not yet been dismissed or suspended from his position, despite being remanded in custody.

Why He Cannot Simply Be Fired

Spokesperson of the PGO, Maryana Hayovska, explained that Ukrainian law establishes an exhaustive list of grounds and procedures for dismissing prosecutors. Simply being notified of suspicion or being placed in custody does not fall within those grounds.

"The basis for dismissal includes, for example, a court conviction that has entered into legal force. Until that moment, the law provides for a different mechanism — suspension of the prosecutor from their position."

The Process Underway

Hayovska confirmed that the PGO has already triggered the legally prescribed mechanism. On September 8, a disciplinary complaint was filed with the Qualification and Disciplinary Commission of Prosecutors (QDCP) requesting Karpyha's suspension. The QDCP opened disciplinary proceedings on September 10.

Additionally, the acting Prosecutor General Anton Kovalsky wrote to the QDCP requesting that the review of the disciplinary complaint and the suspension decision be expedited.