In a surprising move, Ukraine has fired two senior officials from its cyber defense agency while launching a probe into alleged embezzlement within the government's cyber security agency. Yurii Shchyhol, the head of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP), and his deputy, Viktor Zhora, were both dismissed by the government.

The reasons for their dismissals were not mentioned by Taras Melnychuk, the cabinet's representative to parliament, who announced the decision on Telegram. However, the dismissals came less than an hour before anti-corruption prosecutors revealed an investigation into Shchyhol and Zhora for their alleged involvement in a plot to embezzle 62 million UAH ($1.72 million) between 2020 and 2022.

According to authorities, the officials are suspected of purchasing software at an inflated price from two companies purportedly under their control, effectively shutting out other potential bidders. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine is spearheading the investigation into the alleged embezzlement scheme.

The SSSCIP plays a crucial role in safeguarding government communications and defending Ukraine against cyber attacks. In a statement issued on Telegram, the agency asserted its cooperation with the investigators and maintained that all agency procurement had been conducted in compliance with the law.

This recent development adds to Ukraine's ongoing crackdown on corruption, with high-profile individuals being targeted for investigation, including a billionaire former patron of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the former head of Ukraine's Supreme Court. Both individuals have denied any wrongdoing.

It is worth noting that in a previous interview with Reuters in September, Shchyhol had highlighted the activities of Russian spies who were utilizing hackers to target computer systems at law enforcement agencies, aiming to gather evidence related to alleged Russian war crimes.

The dismissal of the senior cyber defense officials and the subsequent embezzlement probe emphasize Ukraine's commitment to combating corruption and strengthening its cyber security measures. As the investigation progresses, the implications for Ukraine's cyber defense capabilities and efforts to protect sensitive government communications remain to be seen.